You may have questions about what you can do to improve your home or flat or who is responsible for repairs so we’ve outlined the questions we are frequently asked below. For details of all new properties Soha has for sale, please visit the Shared Ownership website.
Can I keep a pet?
If you live in a house you are normally allowed to keep a dog or cat in your home.
Residents of flats are not normally allowed to keep pets unless the lease permits it. Please bear in mind that your lease requires that you and your household do not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. If complaints about pets are received, Soha reserves the right to withdraw consent and you will need to rehome your pet.
If you would like to apply to keep a pet, please complete this form and email it to us homeownership@soha.co.uk.
Can I extend into the loft space?
If you like in a house, you may only extend into your loft space when you have purchased the freehold to your home.
If you live in a flat, you do not own the space above your ceiling rafters and may not extend. No consent will be given for storage of items as this may present a fire hazard and interfere with the efficiency of the loft insulation.
Can I fit wooden, laminate or ceramic flooring in my flat?
Hard flooring can create noise problems for neighbouring properties in a block of flats, and therefore you must apply to Soha for permission before installing wooden, laminate or ceramic flooring.
If you would like to apply for permission, please complete this form and email it to us homeownership@soha.co.uk.
Who is responsible for my garden fence?
Check your lease to see if your plan shows which fence(s) you own – they’re usually marked with an inward ‘T’. If fences are not marked, this typically means that they are shared with your neighbours.
Please consult your neighbours before removing or altering any existing fencing, even if you own them.
Can I have a satellite dish?
We will normally give consent for a satellite dish to be fitted to your house or flat unless there are estate conditions imposed by a head landlord or third-party management company.
Please complete this form and email it to us – homeownership@soha.co.uk and we will check the lease and authorise if appropriate.
Can I run a business from home?
Under the terms of your lease, you should ask our consent before operating a business from your home. We will usually give consent, unless we feel your proposed business might cause a nuisance to your neighbours or your lease specifically prohibits this.
Please contact us the Home Ownership Team and provide us with full details.
Do I need to tell you if I change my name?
We need to have your correct details at all times. Please send us proof of any change of name such as a marriage certificate or decree absolute. You can send this to the Home Ownership Team.
Please also ensure we have an up-to-date email address or telephone number so we are able to contact you appropriately. To change your details, please get in touch using the above email address and clearly detail which information needs to be changed.
We’re having issues with parking – what can I do?
Your lease sets out how many parking spaces you’re entitled to and where they are.
We will help resolve issues where we can, but we do rely on the co-operation of residents.
The bin store is a mess – who should I tell?
Call us on 01235 515 900 or 0800 014 15 45 (Freephone) or email the Home Ownership Team who will report this to our dedicated Estates Team.
If you have large items, e.g. white goods or furniture that you’re unable to get rid of yourself, please call your local council who will be able to arrange for it to be collected for a small charge. These should only be left outside of the property on the day of collection.
Lease buybacks
Some leases in designated protected areas require Soha to repurchase the property if the owner has staircased to over 80%. Please see our Lease buyback process here.
Anti-social behaviour
Soha is committed to preventing, identifying, and dealing with all types of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and hate related behaviour and crimes. Please see here for our policy.
Any other questions or queries?
If you have any further questions or queries which are not covered in the above information, please contact us on 01235 515 900/ 080 014 15 45 (Freephone) or via email on homeownership@soha.co.uk.
