Leaseholders' rights

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

Leaseholders and freeholders have legal rights and responsibilities. This section outlines the most important issues and explains how disputes can be settled.

Virtually all flat owners are leaseholders, even if they also own a share of the freehold. It doesn't matter whether the flat is purpose built or in a conversion. You will probably also be a leaseholder if you buy through a shared ownership scheme. Some new houses are leasehold, particularly if they are in a development that is still being built but older leasehold houses are unusual.

Overview of leasehold law

Outlines the legal rights and responsibilities leaseholders have. Most flat owners are leaseholders. Read more 

Service charges

Information on service charges, which most leaseholders have to pay, as a contribution to maintenance and repair costs. Read more 

Ground rent

Explains the rules on ground rent, which most leaseholders have to pay to the freeholder as one of the conditions of their lease. Read more 

Responsibility for repairs

Explains who is responsible for arranging (and paying for) repairs in leasehold properties, and how disagreements can be settled. Read more 

Buying the freehold

Information about how it may be possible to buy the freehold to a leasehold property. Read more 

Extending the lease

Explains how and when the lease on a property can be extended. There are different rules for flats and houses. Read more 

Leasehold valuation tribunals

Explains how Leasehold Valuation Tribunals (LVTs) can help settle certain disputes between freeholders and leaseholders. Read more