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If you own a leasehold property, you have a range of statutory rights designed to protect you from unreasonable charges and to give you greater control over the management and ownership of your home. These rights have been significantly strengthened by the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 and earlier legislation.
Last updated: 2026-03-08
Your Rights
Right to a Lease Extension
After owning your flat for 2 years, you can extend your lease by 90 years at a peppercorn (zero) ground rent on top of the remaining term. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
Right to Collective Enfranchisement
Qualifying leaseholders in a building can join together to buy the freehold of their building. At least 50% of flats must participate.
Right to Manage
Leaseholders can take over management of their building without having to prove fault by the landlord. This is exercised through a Right to Manage (RTM) company.
Right to Challenge Service Charges
You can challenge unreasonable service charges at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The landlord must justify that charges are reasonable and the work is of a reasonable standard.
Right to Be Consulted on Major Works
Your landlord must consult you before carrying out qualifying works costing more than £250 per leaseholder or entering into qualifying long-term agreements costing more than £100 per leaseholder per year.
Right to Information
You can request a summary of service charge costs and inspect the landlord's accounts and receipts. The landlord must provide this within 21 days.
Protection from Forfeiture
Your landlord cannot forfeit (terminate) your lease for non-payment of service charges unless the amount has been determined by a tribunal or admitted by you, and you have been given 14 days to pay.
Zero Ground Rent for New Leases
Leases granted on or after 30 June 2022 for terms over 21 years must have a peppercorn (zero) ground rent.
Common Myths
The freeholder can increase ground rent to whatever they want
Ground rent can only be increased in accordance with the terms of the lease. The 2022 Act caps new lease ground rents at zero, and existing escalation clauses may be challengeable if they are unfair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
You need the freeholder's permission to sell your flat
Most leases allow assignment (sale) without the freeholder's consent, or with consent that cannot be unreasonably withheld. Your solicitor will handle the notice requirements.
Leaseholders have no say in how the building is managed
The Right to Manage allows leaseholders to take over management without proving fault. You can also challenge service charges and demand consultation on major works.
What To Do
Check your lease
Read your lease carefully to understand the terms on ground rent, service charges, and any restrictions. Get a solicitor to explain anything unclear.
Request service charge information
Write to your landlord or managing agent requesting a summary of costs and the right to inspect receipts under ss.21-22 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Challenge unreasonable charges
Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge service charges you believe are unreasonable. The tribunal fee is modest (£100-£350).
Explore lease extension or enfranchisement
If your lease has fewer than 80 years remaining, extending it is usually urgent as costs increase significantly below 80 years. Seek specialist valuation advice.
Consider Right to Manage
If you are unhappy with building management, contact LEASE (the Leasehold Advisory Service) for guidance on setting up an RTM company.
Key Legislation
- Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
- Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022
- Consumer Rights Act 2015