We have a duty to keep the structure of homes in good repair.

But tenants are expected to carry out some minor repairs themselves.

Repairs that are Opendoor Homes’ responsibility

We are responsible for maintaining:

a) The structure and exteriors of properties, including:

  • drains, gutters and pipes outside
  • footpaths and steps to properties
  • roofs and chimneys (though not sweeping chimneys)
  • outside walls, outside doors, windows sills and frames
  • the internal structure (such as walls and stairs
  • Decorating the outside of the building.

b) Fittings, including:

  • Fittings in your home which supply water, gas, electricity and sanitation, including sinks, basins, baths and toilets
  • Fittings for water and heating that we supply

c) Shared areas, including

  • entrances
  • halls
  • stairways
  • lifts
  • rubbish chutes and bins (including recycling bins)
  • shared TV aerials
  • Electric lighting.

Please take care of your home and report any significant faults to us as soon as possible.

Repairs that tenants are expected to carry out

As a tenant, you are responsible for:

  • internal decorations, minor cracks and small holes
  • clearing blocked sinks or gullies
  • internal doors, frames and skirting boards
  • fencing and gates, unless they bound a public walkway or highway
  • external door locks
  • replacing toilet seats and sink chains
  • floor tiles and fireplace surrounds
  • fuses, resetting circuit breakers, fluorescent tubes and light bulbs
  • hooks, curtain poles and pelmets, shelves and fittings
  • draught excluders
  • window glass broken deliberately, or as a result of negligence
  • adjustments to doors after fitting new carpets
  • fitting your own electrical appliances, such as cookers
  • washing machine connections
  • any faults with your electrical appliances
  • wooden garden sheds
  • Any improvements or alterations you have made to the property.

Making Alterations

All tenants must seek written permission from Opendoor Homes before making any alterations to their home.

If you wish to install a satellite dish, please download and return our satellite permission form.

We will only refuse permission for alterations if there is a good reason. However, some alterations may require planning permission and building regulations approval.

If you start without permission, we can charge you for any repairs or ask you to put your home back to its original condition.

Types of alteration

You must ask before you:

  • demolish walls or rearrange the layout
  • decorate outside
  • change sinks, baths or kitchen units
  • change or remove doors
  • replumb your home
  • install central heating
  • change the type of heating
  • lay a driveway or a cross-over (please note, cross-overs will need to be referred to Barnet Council before asking Opendoor Homes for permission)
  • put up a radio or television aerial or a satellite dish
  • put up closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera and monitor
  • put up fences or walls to front gardens on open-plan estates
  • lay decking
  • lay a patio
  • Build a conservatory.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and if in doubt you seek permission first by contacting us.

If you want to buy your home, your improvements will not be included in the valuation price.

If you move, you can apply for compensation. More information is available on our Moving Out page.