Home repairs grant
Maximum grant amount available £10,000
This is subject to a means test which will look at the income and capital of the applicant and their spouse or partner. The applicant’s assessed financial contribution (if any) will then be deducted from the approved grant.
This grant can fund
- repairs for category 1 and 2 hazards as assessed by the Council under the HHSRS
- installing full gas central heating with a condensing combination boiler, or low-carbon alternative where appropriate
- replacement boilers that are over 20 years old and in poor condition
- installation of 270mm loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (where appropriate)
- making adjustments to the property ensure an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C at a minimum
How to apply
To make an enquiry or to start the grant application process email: grantsandloans@lewisham.gov.uk or call our Private Sector Housing Agency on 020 8314 6622.
Before the Council can decide whether to approve or refuse a housing assistance application, the applicant must submit a 'valid application'. A valid application will consist of completing and submitting the following documents:
- prescribed application form
- a certificate of ownership
- proof of earnings or benefits
- two quotations from legitimate building contractors
- details of any professional fees and/or other ancillary charges
- if the applicant has a long-term serious illness, the council may require a medical report from the applicant’s GP or consultant
How the grant is calculated
A Home Repairs Grant is means tested, which means that some people may have to pay a contribution towards their grant. An officer from the council will contact you for an assessment. The council officer will also inform you of any contribution that needs to be made.
The grant will be registered as a local land charge. For approved grants of £5,000 and under there is no grant condition period. For approved grants over £5,000, there is a 5-year grant condition period attached to the dwelling, which is effective from the certified date of completion
Home Repairs Loan
This is discretionary loan to top up a Home Repairs Grant to carry out works that are above the current limit of £10,000.
The maximum grant amount is £30,000. In calculating this amount, any repairs grants or loans awarded under this or previous policies will be included. The applicant's assessed financial contribution (if any) will be deducted from the grant or loan, up to a maximum of £5,000.
The application process for the Home Repairs Loan is integrated with the Home Repairs Grant application process, as the top-up loan is only considered once an application for the grant has been assessed and the need for additional funding identified.
For full information on the grant and conditions, please read the Homeowner Grants Policy.
Fees
Fees for applicants needing support to undertake repairs and or adaptations where the Council is acting as an agent on behalf of the client, organising contractors and supervising all the necessary works.
| Adaptations and or repairs for owner occupiers and tenants with repairing obligations | 17.5% of the total scheme costs Capped at £5,000 |
| Housing Association occupants (adaptations only) | 17.5% of the total scheme costs Capped at £5,000 |
| Lifts and hoists and other prescribed equipment | 12.5% of the total scheme costs |
Fees for applicants who want to manage repairs and/or adaptations themselves.
| Survey preparation fee for disabled facilities grant and discretionary grant and loan applicants (owner occupiers and tenants with repairing obligations), including two visits (initial and sign off). | Basic plans £500 plus VAT |
| Survey preparation fee for Accredited Landlord assistance applicants including two visits (initial and sign off). | Basic plans £500 plus VAT |
| A fee will be charged for additional inspections and will be paid from the grant. | £195 plus VAT |