Maintaining and updating your home

Your home is new so there may be a few things to fix initially. This is why there's a Defects Liability Period (DLP) in place for newly built homes. The DLP gives the developer time to rectify issues that appear during the first few months after a property has been built. 

Your solicitor should be able to tell you whether the DLP is still in place when you purchase your new home. If you're still within your DLP you can report defects to us via My Sage Home.  

When you buy your flat, your solicitor will tell you whether it’s still within the Defects Liability Period.

As you’re a homeowner, once this period ends, you’re responsible for all repairs in your home. You don’t have to get our permission to use any particular contractor and can carry out repairs to your own standards. 

As you live in a flat, we or the freeholder will continue to be responsible for all communal repairs, either directly or through a Managing Agent. You can report repairs to us through your online account My Sage Home. 

Your solicitor will tell you whether your new home is within the Defects Liability Period.

As you’re a homeowner, once this period ends, you’re responsible for all repairs with your home. You don’t have to get our permission to use any particular contractor and you can carry out repairs to your own standards. 

If your house is on a estate managed by Sage or a Management Agent, you'll be able to report issues with communal areas. You can report repairs to us through your online account My Sage Home. 

You can report defects inside your home if it's still within the DLP. Defects are categorised as emergency, urgent or routine.

Emergency defect
This poses an immediate danger to you and your home. It could be: a gas leak or electrical fault; failure of heating or hot water in the winter; or burst pipes or blocked drains.

Emergency defects should be reported immediately - please call 020 8168 0500.

Urgent defect
This affects your convenience or comfort. It might be: loss of heating in one or two rooms; minor water leaks; or faulty electrical switches or sockets.

Routine defect
This doesn't affect your health or safety. It could be: stiff window handles; problems with a door lock; or loose taps.

You can decorate your home however you want to but you'll need permission to make more significant alterations. 

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