posted 12th November 2026
Shared owner with a new model lease? Find out how to claim up to £500 a year from your housing association for repairs, who qualifies, and the rules you must follow.
Many shared owners assume they must pay for every repair themselves. If you hold a new model shared ownership lease, that isn’t entirely true. You may be able to claim back up to £500 a year from your housing association (HA) towards certain repairs. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and what to do before you spend a penny.
What is the shared ownership £500 repairs allowance?
Under the new model lease, you can claim up to £500 each year towards certain essential repairs during the first 10 years of your lease. The idea is to help with problems that shouldn’t appear in a new-build home. The allowance is aimed at things like fixtures and fittings that supply gas, electricity or water to your home.
Is it new? When did it start?
The government published its response on the new model on 1 April 2021, and the model leases for flats and houses were released on 28 May 2021. It isn’t an Act of Parliament but a funding and lease rule. It applies to shared ownership homes built under the 2021-2026 Affordable Homes Programme, and the lease applies in England outside London. Homes sold on older leases don’t get the allowance. Check your lease or ask your HA which model you have.
The New Model for Shared Ownership Lease: a decade of repair costs for landlords.
Conditions: when can you claim?
You must have a new model lease. Older-style leases don’t qualify.
It lasts for 10 years. The initial repair period runs for 10 years from the date of the lease, or until you reach 100% ownership, whichever comes first.
Get approval before the work starts. Providers say you must get approval before any repair work begins, and claims made after work has started are only considered for emergencies.
Use a TrustMark-registered tradesperson. Several providers require it, for example LiveWest reimburses the £500 as long as a TrustMark-approved tradesperson is used.
The repair must not be covered elsewhere. It must not be covered by the build warranty or any other warranty or insurance.
Wait until the defects period is over. In the first year or so, the developer must fix defects, usually within 12 months.
Keep evidence. You need to send your HA proof of the repair work and its cost.
What if I don’t use the full £500?
Riverside’s published example shows unused money rolling over: in year 2 you could have £1,000 available if you claimed nothing in year 1. The example shows £500 plus a £500 carry-over, with leftover amounts moving into the next year. Rules can vary by provider, so confirm yours. If you sell within the 10 years, the remaining years transfer to the next shared owner.
What isn’t covered?
You are still responsible for general upkeep. Shared owners remain responsible for general repairs, maintenance and health and safety compliance, such as an annual boiler service. The allowance is not a grant for improvements, and alterations still follow the rules in your lease.
On the structure, the picture is better than on older leases. Under the new model lease, the landlord is responsible for the structure of the property for the first 10 years. For HA-specific details, read your provider’s repairs guidance.
Other new model benefits
The new model brings a minimum 990-year lease, initial shares from 10%, and 1% staircasing increments for the first 15 years with no administration fees. Together with the repairs allowance, this makes shared ownership more flexible for buyers and investors.
How to claim: quick checklist
- Confirm you hold a new model lease.
- Contact your HA and request pre-approval in writing.
- Get quotes from a TrustMark-registered tradesperson.
- Wait for written approval before work starts (except emergencies).
- Keep invoices, photos and proof of payment.
- Submit your claim within the time your HA specifies.
FAQ
Can I claim £500 for home improvements?
No. It covers qualifying repairs, not upgrades.
Does every shared owner get it?
No, only owners on a new model lease.
Can I claim for more than one repair a year?
Yes. Karbon Homes states there is no limit on the number of claims in a year, but the total is capped at the allowance.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always check your own lease and your housing association’s current policy.