Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowner:
What repairs am I responsible for?
If you are a leaseholder or shared owner your lease contains details of repair responsibilities. If you are a freeholder your transfer document says whether we are responsible for any repairs.
Generally, if you live in a block of flats or a leasehold development for older people, we are responsible for repairs to external parts of the buildings which includes the main structure, and any shared areas and services that we provide. You are responsible for all other repairs.
If you live in a house you are likely to be responsible for the whole property including repairs and maintenance although we may be responsible for repairs to any shared areas.
There are exceptions to the above so please consult your lease or transfer document or contact your local office if you need more information.
How do I make a building insurance claim and what am I covered for?
If you pay a monthly charge to us for buildings insurance you can make a claim by contacting the Customer Contact Centre on the dedicated homeowner line - 0800 432 0009. Information on what is covered can be found in your policy summary. If you don’t have a copy of the policy summary you can download it here or contact your local office who will be able to help you.
Can I sublet my home?
If you are a freeholder you can sublet your home. If you are a leaseholder or shared owner your lease will tell you whether you can sublet. Shared owners are not usually allowed to sublet. This is because your home was provided with the help of a grant from the Government to make it more affordable.
Whether you are a freeholder, leaseholder or shared owner, if you are thinking of subletting please contact your local Places for People office first. If you sublet you are still responsible for keeping to the terms of your contract and we need to know where we can contact you.
Can I keep pets?
Freeholders can usually keep pets without contacting us. If you are a leaseholder or shared owner your lease will tell you if you can keep pets in your home and whether you need our consent. Please contact your local office for further information.
Can I carry out home improvements?
If you are a freeholder you can carry out home improvements. If you are a leaseholder or shared owner, you can generally carry out home improvements. If you are planning to carry out major work such as building a conservatory or taking down or putting up a wall you will need our written consent. Please contact your local office to discuss this before going ahead with any work.
In all cases you will need to make sure that you meet building regulations and planning requirements.
As a freeholder, am I able to have repairs carried out to my home by Places for People?
At the moment we are not able to offer our repairs service to freeholders or leaseholders who are responsible for their own repairs. We are currently piloting a few services, such as gas servicing and hope to introduce these in the future.
I own a shared ownership property and would like to sell – what options do I have?
Please contact the Property Sales team either by email at property.sales@placesforpeople.co.uk or by telephone on 01772 566758. A member of the team will send you guidance which details the sale options available to you.
I own a shared ownership property and would like to buy a further share. Who should I contact for information?
Please contact the Property Sales by email at property.sales@placesforpeople.co.uk or by telephone on 01772 566758. A member of the Property Sales team will send you guidance notes and a form to complete and return.
Although I own my home outright, Places for People hold a legal charge over the property. I would like to redeem the charge. How do I do this?
Contact the Property Sales team either by email at property.sales@placesforpeople.co.uk or by telephone on 01772 566758. A member of the Property Sales team will then will send you guidance notes and a form to complete and return.
I am selling my property which I own outright although I pay service charges to Places for People. Do I need to tell Places for People about this?
It is important that you ask your solicitor to write to our Property Sales team to confirm that you are selling your home. Until your solicitor completes the relevant legal documentation for the new purchaser to take over the terms of your service charge account, the account will remain in your name and may result in you being liable for the ongoing service charges after you have sold the property.
A member of the Property Sales team will respond to your solicitor to confirm further requirements. Please ask your solicitor to write to:
Property Sales
Places for People
4 The Pavilions
Port Way
Preston
Lancashire
PR2 2YB
