Right to buy

[nativestranger]

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I am still paying rent to London Borough of Haringey. Recently, I contacted them about a repair that needs to be carried out in the flat and I was told that because I am in the process of buying the flat all repairs are now my responsibility even though I am still paying rent.

 

The particular repair is a leaking cistern. On 31st May, a technician from Thames Water came to check the meter which was constantly running (though I was not aware of this until Thames water contacted me), as a result of the leak from the cistern into the toilet. According to the technician, the responsibility for this lies with Homes for Haringey as the property is still under them and not yet in my name.

 

The property is not in my name and I am still paying rent to Homes for Haringey. I therefore do not agree that this repair should be my responsibility.

 

Who is right? I am still paying them rent. What can I do about getting the repair done?

[AndyOrch]

Thread moved to the appropriate forum.

 

Andy

[Consumer dude]

The fact you are paying the rent is not the issue, if the property is not in your name, then it is not your responsibility, but I could be wrong..

[nativestranger]

The fact you are paying the rent is not the issue, if the property is not in your name, then it is not your responsibility, but I could be wrong..

 

Thank you for your quick response.

The property is not in my name as the sale has not yet been completed. What can I do to get the repair done by the council?

[mariner51]

I assume it is your name on Water account and TA makes you resp for paying it.

 

 

Cistern leak prob due to faulty float valve £20-50 to replace) and not nec LLs repairing obligation.

R2B rules may state once an application is made, minor repairs are resp of applicant, but not major leaks.

[martin2006]

It is standard practice that the LL will stop all repairs on your property whilst it is subject to R2B

 

When calculating any discount they are entitled to the full recuperation of any monies spent on your property in the previous 10 years if they acquired your home before 2 april 2012 and 15 years if after 2 april 2012.

 

Any money spent on your home (yes, even a leaking cistern repair) will affect the level of discount you are offered as they claw it back, so effectively, it matters not, you end up paying for it anyway, either directly to a plumber or by having the costs added back onto the purchase price.

 

https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home/discounts

Edited June 3, 2016 by martin2006
link added

[ericsbrother]

probably not an item the council are responsible for in the first place, toilet seats certainly arent. If you can do it yourself a new plastic valve assembly is about £9 from a plumbers merchants.