Editor

Editor

Leasehold reform – what do we want?

Sajid Javid’s consultation on leasehold reform ends 19 September. Have your say now! You can complete a short survey here or send your views directly to LeaseholdHousesConsultation@communities.gsi.gov.uk. The trigger was the leasehold houses scandal but it was the growing campaign…

Commonhold – the solution to leasehold?

Amid all the bitter news about leasehold rip-offs it’s important to remember that the solution already exists. Commonhold was introduced in 2002, as part of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act. It wasn’t mandatory so developers didn’t have to use…

Doubling ground rents

This month several leaseholders with Freehold Managers received letters saying their ground rent is to be doubled. Can a managing agent double your ground rent whenever they feel like it? Generally, no, but as with all things leasehold, it depends…

Waltham Forest Housing and the FTT

Last month leaseholders of Waltham Forest Housing received letters about a First Tier Tribunal case. A lot of questions have been asked since about what the letter means, what the case means, whether leaseholders should get involved and what the…

Before you get the builders in

Thinking of a loft conversion? Bigger kitchen? As leaseholders we need to check the lease first, and ensure any necessary permissions are obtained from the freeholder. Each managing agent handles this differently, and they don’t always have a clear process.…

£26k repair bill sent in error

A Warner leaseholder was asked to pay £13,000 towards a £26,000 bill for roof repairs this month. But Circle Housing Group, who served the Section 20 notice earlier this month, have now cancelled it after conceding that responsibility for maintenance…