Shared owners

Most new build properties will have a period under which the developer will resolve defects, known as the defect period. This is usually 12 months from when the property is complete depending on the warranty provider. Defects are not general wear and tear or the housing settling.

A defect is a problem that has arisen as a result of the workmanship carried out by the builder. Your defect period start and end date can be found on your completion paperwork. If you are within your defect period you can report a defect by calling 0808 230 6500.

All new build properties also have the benefit of a builder warranty which lasts up to 12 years which usually starts after the defects period ends. If a repair falls outside of the initial defect period, it may cover you if there is physical damage to your home because the builder failed to build your home to meet the insurance companies’ specification.

More information on who your warranty provider is can be found on your completion paperwork.

If you need to make a claim, call us on 0808 230 6500.

• To pay rent on the share of your property owned by PCH and service charges 
• To keep the property in good condition and cover the costs of any repairs and maintenance regardless of the share you own
• Annually service your boiler by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register
• Not to make any alterations without the prior written consent of the Landlord
• Not to use the premises for any illegal or immoral purpose
• Not to use the property for any trade or business purpose (details are outlined in your lease)
• Not to do anything which may be a nuisance, annoyance or cause damage or inconvenience to either the Landlord or any other resident
• To observe all the terms and regulations set out in the lease.

• To maintain and repair the exterior, structure and common parts of the building (flats only)
• To keep the building insured to the full cost of re-instatement (this is for buildings only and does not cover contents; shared owners will need to arrange contents insurance separately)
• To keep proper accounts of all costs and expenses incurred in carrying out its obligations
• To manage the block and estate in a reasonable manner.

Transfer of equity is a term that refers to changing the ownership of the property. This could mean any of the following

• Adding an additional person to the ownership of the property
• Removing a person from the joint ownership of the property
• Removing a person and adding a new person at the same time

This is different to a resale, as one of the original owners will still stay on the legal deeds of the property.

Selling your shared ownership home is known as a resale.

If you want to sell your home which you purchases through PCH, you must advise us in writing that you will be selling your home.

Staircasing is a process where you can buy more shares in your property. The greater the share purchased, the less rent payable to PCH.

You can find more information on having pets in our Pets Policy.

No, your lease states that you cannot sublet your home.

Under the terms of your lease you are legally obliged to pay the rent and service charge.

As soon as you realise that you have a financial problem contact the Income Recovery and Financial Inclusion Team to see how we can help.

If your fixed term deal on your mortgage has ended, you may wish to apply for a new mortgage deal, known as re-mortgaging. If you want to re-mortgage your home your new mortgage will need to be approved by our Leasehold Team.

We will only be able to approve extra borrowing for specific circumstances such as buying out another leaseholder, staircasing and complying with covenants within the lease. We will not be able approve extra borrowing for purposes including debt consolidation.