Frequently asked questions
Property Maintenance
What about
gas servicing?
Can I replace my existing
windows?
How do I report a communal repair on
my block?
What do I do if I experience a water
leak?
Can I carry out home
improvements?
Can a group of residents do their own
communal cleaning and grounds maintenance?
Living in an mhs homes property
Can I take in a lodger?
Can I sublet my property?
Can I keep pets?
What should I do if I am experiencing
anti-social behaviour?
Do I have to provide mhs homes
right of entry into my property?
How do I get replacement key fobs for
my block?
Can I have a satellite
dish?
Can I park my car at my
property?
Can I rent a garage in the
area?
Property Maintenance
What about gas servicing?
As a homeowner it is your
responsibility to have the gas supply and gas appliances checked by
a Gas Safe registered operative at least
annually.
If you are subletting your property
you will have a legal obligation as a landlord to have annual gas
safety checks.
For more information visit the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website
http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/gas_law.htm
If you suspect there is a gas leak you
should immediately do the following:
- Call National Grid's Gas Emergency free phone number:
0800 111 999
- Open all the doors and windows
- Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
Can I replace my existing
windows?
Yes, however you must seek our
permission and all windows must conform to our standards.
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How do I report a communal repair on
my block?
If you discover any damages to the
communal areas of the building please contact the Repairs Team on
01634 565333 or email repairs@mhs.org.uk
What do I do if I experience a water
leak?
If the leak is into your flat you
should contact the person in the flat where the leak is coming from
or the repairs team on 01634 565333. If there is
any damage to your flat you should claim from the building
insurance, Farr Insurance Brokers contact number
is 0845 129 8000
Can I carry out home
improvements?
You can carry out minor works such as
home decoration without contacting mhs homes. However if you intend
to carry out major work you must seek mhs homes permission before
you agree to begin works. This will need to be carried out by a
reputable builder and meet necessary requirements and building
regulations, with plans and supporting paperwork.
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Can a group of residents do their own
communal cleaning and grounds maintenance?
Residents are expected to keep halls,
corridors and landings immediately outside their own home clean and
tidy. There will also be a caretaker and grounds maintenance
team.
We will consider a request if all
residents want to take over the cleaning of communal areas or
gardening on a small building or estate. We would need to be
satisfied that standards would be maintained, and would have to
reintroduce contractors if we thought it necessary.
Living in an mhs property
Can I take in a lodger?
Yes. You are, however, responsible for
them and you must make sure they keep to the conditions in your
lease. You should check with your income tax office because you may
be able to claim some tax benefits on the rent you get paid by your
lodger.
Can I sublet my property?
Yes but you must inform us if you intend to sublet. You will
need to provide us with your full contact details (including an
away address), a copy of the tenancy agreement, contact details for
your tenant or details of any managing agent and pay the
current fee of £46.00 (including VAT).
You must ensure you tenant does not
break the conditions of your lease.
If you have a mortgage we would also
advise you to contact your mortgagor and get their permission.
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Can I keep pets?
Your lease has detailed restrictions
and, generally, you will need to get our permission.
What
should I do if I am experiencing anti-social
behaviour?
Before contacting mhs homes, we
suggest that you try to resolve minor disputes with your neighbour
by discussing the issue with them in a considerate manner.
Please see the anti social behaviour pages for further
details.
Do I have to provide
mhs homes right of entry into my property?
There may be occasions where necessary
circumstances require mhs homes to access your property, e.g.
surveying the building to carry out major works.
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How do I get replacement key fobs for my
block?
Replacement key fobs can be obtained
from the mhs express office at 115 High Street, Chatham,
open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm and Saturday 8.30am-2pm. They
cost £10 each.
Can I have a satellite
dish?
You must get our permission first as
most leases restrict the fitting of satellite dishes. We may allow
you to fit a satellite dish in an out-of-the way position but you
may need to get planning permission.
Can I park my car at my
property?
Where parking areas are provided they
are shown on the lease plan as areas in yellow with black lines.
You can park your vehicle there provided the vehicle is roadworthy,
taxed and insured. These areas are not for lorries, vans, caravans,
boats, trailers, carrying out major repairs to your vehicle or
dumping of rubbish. Parking on any grassed area is not allowed. If
you have any queries about parking at your property the Leasehold
Manager will be able to clarify where you can park.
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Can I rent a garage in the
area?
Yes, we have over a hundred
garages in Medway. Prices range from £3.43 per week to £7.57 per
week including VAT. To rent a garage please contact
the Marketing & Leasehold Co-ordinator on 01634
565333.
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