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Shared Ownership- Problems with HA

4 replies

RoseDuck · 01/10/2024 13:47

Hi Everyone,

I wasn't sure where best to post this but I'm after a bit of advice off people more knowledgable than me!

Back in March I bought a 25% share of a new build property outright with cash. I pay rent to a housing association on the remaining 75%. During my reservation appointment I was advised that because it was a new build, there was a 1 year warranty in place that ran from the time the HA bought the home (June 2023) and any defects would need reported to the HA who would then arrange repair with the housing developer (persimmon) and I signed a declaration to this effect. Further along in the conveyancing process my solicitor mentioned that this was actually 2 years and I assumed following this clarification that everything was in order. Since moving in in March I have raised a number of (admittedly rather minor in the grand scheme of things) defects and had a snagging report done which I submitted to the HA to forward to persimmon. I've had to chase a lot of these which has been challenging as corropsondence from the HA has been sporadic at best and last week I received an email from them advising that the warranty expired in June and that 27 of the 42 snags raised are "cosmetic" and not covered by warranty (6 months after I emailed with the issues!). Persimmon have confirmed the warranty is valid until May next year and that they will complete the work on the snagging report but that it needs raised via the HA as per the policy but the HA are refusing to submit the jobs. I'm rather confused about the whole thing and making very little progress with the relevant team at the HA so have raised a complaint with them which is now being investigated. To add to the confusion further, despite saying the warranty ran out in June, I've had an email from them today regarding an issue I submitted in July which Persimmon are attending to fix tomorrow.

I'm a little worried that this is going to impact my relationship with them long term and despite the issues I love my house and plan to staircase to 100% in time, I know my solicitor advised they could repossess the property for rent arrears and anti social behaviour but I've read up on some horror stories and I'm a bit concerned that I'll end up getting evicted/the lease forfeited if I make too much of a fuss about the snags/lack of communication but equally the repairs are going to cost quite a bit of money to repair myself.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 01/10/2024 14:40

It’s not anti social behaviour to argue your case with the HA. You seem to be in the right from what I can tell.

They can’t evict you just for being assertive. Anti social behaviour means something quite different like playing music loudly late at night & getting lots of complaints from neighbours.

RoseDuck · 01/10/2024 18:04

Thank you, I know you’re probably right I’m just very stressed about the situation and it’s so frustrating being caught of the middle of 2 companies saying very contradicting things. Although I’ve told them I’m disappointed and think it’s poor customer service I’ve hopefully made sure my emails aren’t rude (I know there’s also something in my lease about being rude/harrasing/intimidating staff!)

the perils of being an overthinker and reading horror stories online 😂

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 01/10/2024 18:10

RoseDuck · 01/10/2024 18:04

Thank you, I know you’re probably right I’m just very stressed about the situation and it’s so frustrating being caught of the middle of 2 companies saying very contradicting things. Although I’ve told them I’m disappointed and think it’s poor customer service I’ve hopefully made sure my emails aren’t rude (I know there’s also something in my lease about being rude/harrasing/intimidating staff!)

the perils of being an overthinker and reading horror stories online 😂

Just keep being assertive but polite and I think you will get what you want. They are just hoping you will give up if they ignore it long enough.

BlessedKingfisher · 01/10/2024 18:41

Your HA’s name doesn’t begin with H, does it? If yes - my sympathies…
Don’t be afraid to complain, politely but assertively. Read up on stage 1 & 2 complaints, and escalate to the Housing Ombudsman if needed.
www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/landlords-info/complaint-handling-code/

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