DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

Councils can step in and help when essential repairs to shared parts of a building—like roofs, stairwells, or external walls—can’t go ahead because one or more owners won’t or can’t pay their share. If the majority of owners agree to the work and follow the correct procedures, the council can pay the “missing share” on behalf of the non-paying owner. This allows the repairs to proceed without delay. After the work is done, the council will recover the cost from the owner whose share was paid, often using a repayment order and adding administrative fees and interest.

Legal status

Discretionary


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Compliance


Social determinant of health

Economic stability

Emerging policy and legislation


0

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)


Standards and frameworks


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