If your roof needs repairing, it’s always best to get it done as soon as possible. That way, you’ll prevent any further damage to your roof and your property. But what if you’re in a flat? Properties divided into several flats have a number of parties involved – renters, leaseholders and freeholders – making it difficult to determine who exactly is responsible. If everyone passes the buck, the roof won’t get fixed and the problem will only get worse. Don’t leave it to someone else. Read on as we clear things up about the responsibility of repairing your flat’s roof.

Renting a flat

There are many different scenarios for flats. Firstly, a property may be split into flats by the owner, who rents them out. Sometimes, landlords live far away from the property, making things frustrating for tenants who are living with a leaky roof or broken guttering. In this case, it’s the landlord who is responsible for roof repairs. Because they own the property and are only renting out the flats, they need to ensure the property is (or properties are) inhabitable. The same is true for council flats. While you’re responsible for small repairs like getting keys cut or repairing damage you or your visitors have caused, it’s up to the council to keep the property’s structure in good condition. On top of gas and electricity appliances, that includes the walls, ceiling, windows and roof. Leasing a flat Individual flats are sold as leaseholds, by the freeholder – who owns the land the property is built upon. And, although the freeholder may seem like a landlord, they’re not necessarily responsible for repairs. Because a lease gives the tenant the right to occupy a property for a longer term, usually upwards of a year, there could be other provisions in the lease. And this might include the responsibility for maintenance of the property. Leaseholders should check their lease documents to see whether it’s the land owner or themselves who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. A lot of purpose-built leasehold flats come with a service charge, paid monthly or annually. This is paid to the freeholder, or an agency working on their behalf, to maintain and manage the building. However, this might not cover one-off costs like large roofing repairs, so it’s worth reading over your lease agreement to avoid unexpected costs. How about council flats? Some people buy their council flat, with the council as the freeholder. Unfortunately for those leaseholders, the case could be the same. Again, it’s dependent on the lease whether councils will cover the cost of repairs or divide them between leaseholders.

Can we help?

Whether you’re a landlord, freeholder, leaseholder or working on behalf of the local council, you want to get your roof fixed to the highest possible standards at a great price. DPR Roofing in Huddersfield provides exactly that, with top rate roofing repairs for residential properties. Our team of experienced roofers has worked on everything from flats within houses to full blocks, providing a long-lasting solution every time. And we can help you too. Whether it’s a small leak or sagging roof, get in touch with our team to arrange a free quote.