Shared owners Repairs responsibilities

This is to help you with unplanned costs which aren’t covered by any warranties for your new home. 

The initial repair period begins from the lease start date, which applies while you own less than a 100% share in the home. 

Full details of the allowance, and what is and isn't covered in the initial repair period are explained in your lease and Key information document, but below is a summary of how it works. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch on 0300 1234 009 or at leaseholdsupport@midlandsrural.org.uk

In the initial repair period, you'll be able to claim costs up to £500 a year from the association to help with essential repairs or replacement (if faulty) of: 

• installations in the home for the supply of water, gas and electricity, including: 
  • basins and sinks 
  • baths and showers 
  • toilets, pipes and drainage 
• installations in the home for space heating and water heating, including: 
  • repairs for pre-installed appliances to heat your home and water, such as boilers and air source heating systems 

Any work that is covered by a warranty or guarantee must be claimed through the policy by the policyholder. 

Not included in the internal repairs allowance 

The internal repairs allowance can only be used towards costs incurred for qualifying repairs, and cannot be used for any other purpose. 

• It does not cover fixtures, fittings and appliances for making use of the supply of water, gas or electricity. So not:
  • ovens or washing machines
  • radiators
  • taps
  • light-fittings. 
• It does not cover regular maintenance (e.g. a boiler service). 
• It does not cover deliberate or avoidable damage. 
• It does not cover repairs covered by an existing warranty, guarantee or insurance policy (such as your boiler’s initial warranty or your NHBC warranty). 

Key information

The amount you can claim each year and the number of years remaining in the initial repair period will have been provided in the ‘Key information about the home’ document. 

Repairs and maintenance costs over the allowance amount stated in the ‘Key information about the home’ document, or after the initial repair period ends, are your responsibility. 

If you do not claim the full repairs allowance in one year, a maximum of one year's allowance will roll over to the following year. 

The following example shows how the repairs allowance works if you claim in years two and three. 

The quickest way to claim the repairs allowance is to complete this online form:

Repairs allowance claim form 

We're responsible for deciding whether repairs are essential. We have the right to inspect your home when making this decision. 

When you claim for the cost of essential repairs, we will approve or reject claims in a fair and consistent manner. 

If we decline a claim, we must: 

• tell you why in writing within seven days of receiving your information supporting the claim 
• advise you of your right to dispute the decision 
• set out the complaints handling process. 

If we agree to a claim, you must: 

• must use a Trustmark approved tradesperson or professionals approved by us. You can find a local tradesperson on the Trustmark website. 

Transferring the allowance to a new owner 

The repairs allowance will transfer to a new owner if you sell your home. However, if the new owner buys a 100% share, the repairs allowance will not transfer to them.