Leaseholders

Karbon Homes is the freeholder. We own the building in which you live and are responsible for looking after the structure, exterior and common areas of the block.

As a leaseholder you will pay monthly charges that cover the cost of Karbon Homes maintaining and managing your home. These charges include administration costs, buildings insurance, service charges and ground rent, and vary from property to property. If you want to find out more about your charges, visit our contact us page and ask to speak to the leasehold team.

If you don’t agree with a service charge or with a valuation for works, then contact Karbon Homes and we will seek to resolve your problem. If you are not satisfied with the company’s response, you may want to have your case heard by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT). The Leasehold Advisory Service is funded by the Government and provides free, impartial advice to leaseholders. Visit their website for further advice.

Karbon Homes shared owners cannot take in lodgers or rent their property out because sub-letting is not allowed under the terms of the lease. However, some 100% owners and Right to Buy owners can sub-let where the lease allows. It is important that you inform us of any change of tenants so that we have up-to-date information of the people living at the property. When renting your property, you remain responsible for all monthly charges and the conduct of your tenants.

If you’re planning on selling your property you’ll need to contact our home ownership team on 0191 223 8749 or email homebuy@karbonhomes.co.uk. The team can help you with the sales process and – if you’re looking for somewhere new – can let you know what is available in other locations.

If you would like to discuss extending your lease you should contact our home ownership team. It’s not a difficult process and we recommend that you consider it. From a mortgage lender’s point of view, it is recommended that you have a minimum of 75 years left on the lease if you are planning to sell it on.

If you don’t have a copy of your lease, then the solicitor who advised you when you bought your property will hold a copy. The HM Land Registry can also supply you with a copy.

All Karbon Homes leasehold properties are automatically covered by our building insurance policy – meaning residents have one less thing to worry about. The insurance covers the likes of falling trees, damage to supply pipes and cables, fire, water escapes and more. The contents of your property are not insured – you need to arrange this insurance yourself. You can do this here.

The first thing you should do is contact us – you don’t have to deal with your difficulties alone. We have a specialist team that can offer advice and support if you’re worried about your financial circumstances. Visit our money advice pages for more information.