As per the terms of your lease (which is another term for a tenancy agreement, is a contract between a freeholder and a leaseholder), the leaseholder is responsible for all internal repairs to their property. Examples of internal repairs which the leaseholder would be responsible for include repairing electrical rewiring and replacing a leaking tap. For any internal repairs, the leaseholder will need to hire their own tradesperson and pay for them to complete the required work.

If the repair required is outside the leasehold property, the freeholder (Barnet Homes) is responsible for resolving all external repairs (e.g. in the communal area or block). Examples of external repairs which Barnet Homes would be responsible for include replacing communal water tanks and clearing blockages in communal areas.

For further examples of different types of repairs which Barnet Homes leaseholders are responsible for, please view the table below. Barnet Homes will only provide a repairs service for items we are responsible for under the terms of your lease. For all other repairs, leaseholders must appoint their own tradesperson. Barnet Homes has a repairs policy – the majority of the contents of the policy is only applicable to tenants but some aspects e.g. repairs to communal areas may apply to leaseholders. You can read Barnet Homes’ full repairs policy here or the repairs policy quick guide.

Repairs responsibilities

Type of Repair Barnet Homes Leaseholder
Plumbing works
Clear blockage or repair leak to main soil stack, rainwater pipes and gutters in communal areas •
Clear blockage or repair leaking waste pipe in communal areas •
Repair burst or leaking water pipe up to and including the main stopcock •
Repair burst or leaking water pipe after the main stopcock to the flat or maisonette •
Replace/repair water storage tank (including ball valves to prevent overflows) in communal areas •
Replace/repair water storage tank (including ball valves to prevent overflows) in homes •
Repair/ replace or re-washer mains stopcock to the block •
Repair/ replace or re-washer mains stopcock inside the flat or maisonette •
Clear blockage or repair leaking waste pipe, trap, and fittings including branches up to the soil stack, inside the flat or maisonette •
Repair or replace bath, basin, sink, taps, or WC inside the flat or maisonette •
Heating and electrical works
Heating and hot water in communal areas •
Heating and hto water inside the flat or maisonette only •
Flue liner •
Communal rewiring •
Renewal/repair of communal fittings •
Repairs to alarm system apparatus •
Repairs to communal door entry systems including all apparatus and handsets •
Repairs to all fuses – excluding the providers mains inside the flat or maisonette •
Renewal of consumer unit (fuseboard) inside the flat or maisonette •
Rewiring (up to lateral mains) inside the flat or maisonette •
Renewal/repairs of fittings inside the flat or maisonette •
Repairs to individual doors bells inside the flat or maisonette •
Ventilation system in communal areas •
Ventilation system in communal areas •

Whose leak is it anyway?

We regularly receive calls from leaseholders who are uncertain who is responsible for leaks into their home. Here’s a guide:

Where is it coming from? Who lives there Who is responsible Contact
The flat or maisonette above Barnet Homes tenant Barnet Homes 020 8080 6587
The flat or maisonette above Barnet Homes leaseholder The leaseholder Contact them directly
The flat or maisonette above The tenant of a Barnet Homes leaseholder The leaseholder Contact them directly or inform us on 020 8080 6587.
Roof, guttering, balcony or shared water supply or waste pipe. Barnet Homes 020 8080 6587
Your own flat You or your tenant You Contact a reputable tradesman or your managing agent.