Scheme to fix defects in apartments and duplexes
- What is the planned scheme to fund fixing defects in apartments and duplexes?
- How will the scheme work?
- What if I am beginning work on my property or have already fixed issues?
- Who do I contact about defects in my apartment or duplex?
- Further information and contacts
What is the planned scheme to fund fixing defects in apartments and duplexes?
Many apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013 have serious defects. These include defects with fire safety, structural safety and water getting in to the property.
A new scheme will provide funding to fix these defects. Fixing these defects is known as ‘remediation work’.
The government is drafting legislation to bring the scheme into effect and it is intended that it will start in 2024.
However, work to fix fire safety issues that began after 17 January 2023 will be included in the scheme. See section below ‘What if I have already fixed issues in my property or am beginning work?’
How will the scheme work?
The government has developed a proposal for the scheme, but the legislation needed to bring it into effect may change the proposed scheme.
In the proposal, the Housing Agency will administer the scheme and provide information and advice to Owners' Management Companies (OMCs) and homeowners about it.
Who will get the funding?
Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) will receive funding to carry out the remediation work (repair work). The whole building will be considered at the same time for remediation work. This means common areas and individual apartments will be assessed together. The amount of funding provided will depend on the defects to be fixed.
What properties will qualify?
Apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013 will qualify for the scheme. The scheme will cover work to fix:
- Fire safety defects
- Structural safety defects
- Defects caused by water getting into a property
The scheme only applies if the defects were caused by defective design, workmanship or materials that breached the Building Regulations which applied when the property was built.
The scheme will not cover defects that came about because:
- The building was not adequately maintained
- Sinking funds did not plan funding to replace building and safety systems when they expired
- Later building work was not managed correctly and this led to defects
What if I am beginning work on my property or have already fixed issues?
Work to fix fire safety defects
Remediation work that begins after 17 January 2023 to fix fire safety defects in these apartments and duplexes will be included in the scheme.
This is as long as the work meets certain conditions, including that you agree on it with the local authority fire services in advance.
This is being done to ensure that fire safety fixes are not postponed while waiting for the scheme to begin. The detail of this process is still being worked out and more information will be available about it soon.
Other work already begun or completed
A legacy defects scheme is planned to cover the cost of remediation work that has already been completed. The detail of this scheme is not available yet.
Who do I contact about defects in my apartment or duplex?
You should contact the Owners Management Company (OMC) for your apartment or duplex, if you think your property has a defect. The OMC should get someone to inspect the issue so it can be fixed.
When the scheme is operational, the OMC will get funding through the scheme to do necessary remediation works to your building. The Housing Agency will also provide information and advice about the scheme once it begins.
Further information and contacts
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has developed an FAQ
about the proposed scheme.