User FAQS

This section of the LEASE website allows website users to add a Frequently Asked Question to our list. If your question is one that we agree should become part of our list then we will answer it on the site. Please note that the question should be a general one, that other clients will also find helpful. Also note that you won't get a reply, but that your question and our answer will appear on the website. 

If you have a question like this then please submit a question.

Alternatively, if you have a specific enquiry and you would like an answer sent directly to you then you should use the standard enquiry form.

• Does owning a share of the freehold mean that I no longer have to renew my lease? If not, would renewal be free?
• I want to convert the loft above my leasehold flat but the loft space isn't included in my lease and belongs to the freeholder. What do I do?
• Is the owner of the flat above mine allowed to remove their carpet and have floorboards, even though it's very noisy? The lease is silent in this regard.
• What if I cannot afford a service charge for work that the landlord wants to undertake?
• I own a flat and wish to extend the lease. Can I do this independently of all the other flat owners or do all leases have to be done at once?
• How long does the process take to extend the lease on a flat?
• i own a flat (leasehold) in a purpose built block of flats. the freeholder arranges the building insurance and sends me the bill. am i allowed to arrange my own insurance?
• Must the freeholder be in breach of the terms of the lease in order for a collective enfranchisement claim to be valid or is CE a right for those lease arrangements that qualify for the process?
• I am selling my property and the Management Company and Freehold owner want to charge me a fee for providing information. Is there a limit on the fee they can charge?
• I am about to purchase a leasehold flat. What would happen if the company which owned the freehold went into administration? Would I lose my home?
• The freehold has been sold to one of the leaseholders in the building without notifying the others or giving the option to purchase. Is this permissable?
• I have negotiated with my landlord to extend my lease to 999 years. Are there any problems associated with extending just one lease in this way. (There are 3 flats in the building and the landlord resides in one.)?
• Can the lease of a flat be extended only once, or can it be extended any number of times into the future?
• I live in a leasehold flat and have just had the guttering replaced however since the guttering has been done I have damp in my bedroom. what are my rights with regarding to paying for the work
• i am buying a flat that has a 976 year lease and full ownership of the freehold. what does this mean?
• I am in the process of renewing my leasehold and I have agreed a price and the terms of the lease. Do I still need to engage solicitors?
• If a shared freeholder within a leasehold property stops paying the previously agreed service charge for a reason that no other owner agrees with and continues to refuse can the other owners apply an interest charge to the arrears after notification to the non payer and show the arrears and interest charge as a charge against the non payer in the company accounts?
• I want to buy the freehold of my building with other leaseholders but our landlord cannot be found. How do we do this in the landlord's absence?
• Under the terms of my lease the landlord is responsible for arranging buildings insurance, but he is failing to do so. What can we about this as leaseholders?
• If I own the lease of a flat above a commercial premises such as a shop or restaurant am I entitled to extend my lease or purchase a share of the freehold?
• The management company has withdrawn standing order payment for annual service charge. They are demanding payment in full.What can I do.