Major works costs for leaseholders
As the owner of a property within a council block, you are responsible for a share of the costs of major repair works (known as major works). These may include a new roof for the block, new windows, or fire-prevention measures such as fire doors.
These charges are in addition to your usual day-to-day service charges and routine repair costs. If your contribution is more than £250, we must consult with you (known as a ‘Section 20’ consultation).
Major works charges – detailed guide for leaseholders
We have produced a detailed booklet to help leaseholders understand major works service charges in Enfield.
The booklet explains, in plain English:
- what major works are and why they are carried out
- how the Section 20 consultation process works
- how your share of costs is calculated
- the change from 1 April 2026, when major works charges will normally be billed using the estimated cost following consultation
- what your invoice will show and what to check
- how and when to pay, including repayment options and financial assistance
- what to do if you disagree with the charge
- where to get independent advice and who to contact at the council
The booklet gives you a clear overview of the process. Your lease remains the key legal document and sets out what can be charged and how costs are shared.
View our major works charges guide for leaseholders (PDF, 1156.52 KB).
How we calculate your costs
The amount you pay towards any communal major works is calculated using the Rateable Value (RV) of your property. The RV of your property is divided by the total RV of your block. This gives the percentage you must pay towards the total cost.
For example: If the RV of your flat is 232 and the RV sum of all the flats in the block is 2,768, your percentage of the major works cost would be 8.38% (232 divided by 2,768) x 100. So, if the major works cost is £221,047.17, your contribution to the cost would be £18,523.75 or 8.38% of the total block cost.
To find out the Rateable Value of your property go to the Valuation Office Agency.
Example of a calculation in a Section 20 consultation notice:
£ 221,047.17 x [232 (RV of flat) ÷ 2,768 (RV of block)] = £18,527.07
An estimate of the major works costs is provided as part of the Section 20 consultation. When the work is complete you will be invoiced for the actual cost of the works, which may be higher or lower than the estimate.
Leasehold financial assistance
We offer a support package to leaseholders in council-owned blocks for major works costs.
For non-resident leaseholders, payment is due within 14 days of the invoice. In certain circumstances, we may consider an extended repayment term of up to 2 years with interest.
For resident leaseholders, there is a 2 years’ interest-free repayment agreement from the date of work costs being invoiced. Additional payment terms are below, to cap contributions at £300 per month with interest payable:
- £7,200 to £10,800 up to 3 years
- £10,801 to £14,400 up to 4 years
- £14,401 to £18,000 up to 5 years
- £18,001 to £21,600 up to 6 years
- £21,601 to £25,200 up to 7 years
- £25,201 to £28,800 up to 8 years
- £28,801 to £32,400 up to 9 years
- Above £32,401 up to 10 years
Interest rates are variable and based on the council’s rate of borrowing. Rates are set for each year from 1 April to 31 March. Interest will be calculated monthly and added to your major works account.
For more information, email hoincome@enfield.gov.uk.
You can also get financial advice by contacting any of the following organisations: