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Leaseholders

Leaseholders Leaseholders

Owning a home with us means understanding what’s expected of you and what you can expect from us.

Whether you’re a leaseholder or a shared owner, this guide will help you know your rights, responsibilities, and where to go for help.

What does being a leaseholder mean?

When you buy a leasehold property, you own the right to live in your home for a set number of years – usually 99 or 125. We remain the freeholder, which means we look after the structure of the building and shared areas like hallways, gardens, and communal facilities.

You pay a service charge to cover these costs, and you’re responsible for keeping the inside of your home in good condition. Your lease is a legal agreement, so it’s important to read it carefully and understand what it says.

Your rights

As a leaseholder, you have the right to:

Enjoy your home in peace without interruption.

Use shared parts of the building and communal spaces.

Be consulted on major works and long-term agreements that affect your building.

Access information about service charges and how your money is spent.

Your responsibilities

You also have obligations under your lease, including:

  • Paying your ground rent and service charges on time.
  • Keeping the inside of your home in good repair.
  • Not making structural changes without permission.
  • Allowing access for inspections or repairs when needed.
  • Following any management rules set out in your lease.

Costs you need to know about

Ground rent:

Usually £10 per year (or none for newer leases).

Service charges:

These cover building maintenance, insurance, and communal services. They can vary from year to year depending on what work is needed.

Repairs and maintenance

You look after the inside of your home, including fixtures and fittings.

We maintain the building structure and shared areas, such as roofs, gutters, and communal lighting.

If major works are needed, we’ll consult you before starting.

Making changes

Thinking of replacing windows or making improvements? Always ask us first. Some changes need planning permission or building regulations approval, and your lease may require our written consent.

Selling your home

You can sell your home at any time. If you need a copy of your lease or advice on the process, get in touch with us. We’ll provide the information your solicitor needs, such as service charge details and any planned major works.

FAQs

A leaseholder owns the right to live in their home for a set number of years under a lease agreement. We remain the freeholder and maintain the building structure and shared areas.

Most leases are for 99 or 125 years. Check your lease for the exact term.

Service charges cover the cost of maintaining communal areas, building insurance, and management services. They can vary each year depending on what work is needed.

You can pay by Direct Debit, Standing Order, debit/credit card, cheque, or at the Post Office using a barcoded invoice. Contact us if you need help setting up payments.

If you fall behind, please contact us straight away. We can agree a payment plan or refer you to debt advice services. If charges remain unpaid, legal action may follow, which could lead to forfeiture of your lease.

You look after the inside of your home. We maintain the building structure and shared areas. If major works are needed, we’ll consult you before starting.

Yes, but you must get written permission from us before making major changes like replacing windows or altering the structure. Some changes may also need planning permission.

If your home was bought under Right to Buy or Right to Acquire, you can sublet, but you must tell us within one month. Other leases may have restrictions. Check your lease or contact us.

You can sell at any time. Your solicitor will need details of service charges and any planned works. Contact us early so we can provide the information.

You should have received one when you bought your home. If not, you can request a copy from us (an admin fee applies) or from the Land Registry.