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You may have to pay extra charges for services, such as cleaning or gardening, especially if you live in a block of flats. You will also have to pay for repairs and maintenance to your property if you own your home.
Maintenance, repairs and improvements
If you own your home you have to pay for repairs and maintenance to keep your home in good condition. Minor repairs can be relatively cheap and you may be able to do some of the work yourself, but some problems (such as repairs to a roof or a heating system) can be very expensive. Some repairs may be covered by buildings insurance, but most will not.
Your landlord should be responsible for carrying out most repairs if you are renting privately. Check the terms of your tenancy agreement if you are unsure whether or not you must repair your home.
If you're a Housing Executive or a housing association tenant, you should check your tenant's handbook to find out which repairs you are responsible for and which are the responsibility of your landlord.
In some circumstances, you may be able to get a grant from the Housing Executive to help you, or your landlord, pay for the repairs.
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Service charges
You may also have to pay fees for services such as:
- repairs,
- cleaning,
- caring for communal gardens.
Find out about these charges before committing to buying or renting a property. If you're expected to pay service charges, make sure you have a written explanation of what these charges pay for and how you can make a complaint if the services you are paying for are not being carried out to your satisfaction.
Housing benefit will not usually cover these types of costs.
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