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Welcome to the May edition of our Leaseholder Newsletter!

Welcome to the May edition of our Leaseholder Newsletter.

This issue includes updates on major works payment options, service charges and building insurance, guidance on carbon monoxide safety, and a reminder to keep your contact details up to date.

We also highlight the importance of checking requirements and obtaining permission before making any alterations to your property.

As always, our aim is to keep you informed, supported, and up to date on the matters that affect you.

Major works payment options

The council is responsible for carrying out major works to buildings it owns, such as roof window, and safety works. The costs are charged to leaseholders separately from annual service charges once the work is completed.

Due to rising building costs and new safety requirements, future major works are expected to be higher. We recognise this may be difficult for some leaseholders.

To help, we will be introducing more flexible payment options, including better discounts for early payment, longer repayment plans, improved-pre-payment options, and additional support for leaseholders experiencing financial difficulty. 

Eligible leaseholders may also be able to apply for Homes for England loans to help cover major work costs.

Keep an eye out as we'll be sharing more on this soon.

Service Charges

You should now have received your service charge estimate for 2026–27.

Service charges continue to be used to maintain and manage the communal areas, ensure health and safety compliance, and to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance across the building.

Work has also commenced on collating the information required to finalise the actual costs for 2025–26.

If you have any queries relating to your service charges please contact leasehold@lbbd.gov.uk

Alternatively, if you have a payment enquiry or wish to discuss possible payment options available, please contact Income@lbbd.gov.uk

Building Insurance

Your service charge includes a contribution towards the cost of Buildings Insurance. Under the terms of the lease, the council, as freeholder, is responsible for insuring the building on behalf of all leaseholders.

The current Buildings Insurance policy is with Protector Insurance. The contract started in September 2023 and runs for an initial three‑year period, with the option to extend it for a further two years.

Towards the end of the three‑year term, the Council’s Insurance Team, working with our insurance broker, will review the market to see whether costs have reduced. A decision will then be made on whether to extend the current policy or place the insurance with a new provider.

We have received a high number of enquiries about Buildings Insurance, both by email and at the recent conference. In response, we have put together a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to help answer common queries.

Before carrying out any work… Leaseholders must obtain written permission before making any alterations to your property. If unsure, Contact leasehold@lbbd.gov.uk with full details to avoid breaching your lease. please note the permission process maybe subject to fees and property inspections.

Staying safe from carbon monoxide in your home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be extremely dangerous if appliances are faulty or ventilation is poor. To help keep residents safe, current regulations require a working carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or fire.

You can also take simple steps to stay protected:

• Test your CO alarm regularly to ensure it is working. Most alarms have a test button.
• Make sure vents and flues are not blocked and that appliances are serviced as recommended.
• Know the signs of CO exposure, such as headaches, dizziness or nausea, especially if symptoms improve when you leave the home.

If you ever suspect a carbon monoxide leak, leave the property immediately and call 999.

Keeping your alarm in working order and reporting issues quickly helps ensure your home remains safe for you and your family.

It is important that we hold up‑to‑date contact details for all leaseholders. This ensures we can contact you promptly about essential matters such as service charges, safety information, repairs, access requirements, and emergency situations. If your address, telephone number, or email details have changed, please notify us as soon as possible. Having accurate information helps us manage the building effectively and ensures you do not miss important communications. Contact us on leasehold@lbbd.gov.uk

A Day in the Life

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to support leaseholders and Right to Buy applicants here in the borough?.

As part of our Day in the Life series, we’re continuing to spotlight the people who make this happen and give you a better insight into the work they do.

Next up, we’re catching up with one of our dedicated Sales and Leasehold Management Officers, Ishmael Haque, to learn more about his role and how he supports residents throughout their homeowner journey.

Before joining Barking and Dagenham, I worked as a Residential Property Manager in the private sector, where I gained valuable experience managing properties, building strong relationships with residents, and handling a wide range of housing-related issues. After wanting to expand my knowledge and make a broader impact within the housing sector, I moved into my current role as a Sales and Leasehold Management Officer in local government just over a year ago. Since starting this role, I have developed a much deeper understanding of leasehold management, legislation, and the importance of supporting residents within a public sector environment. It has been a rewarding transition, and I have learnt a great deal about communication, problem-solving, and navigating more complex cases, while continuing to build on the skills I developed in my previous role.