Your rights and responsibilities

If you are thinking of becoming a leaseholder, it is in your interest to understand the legal rights required.

There are several laws and Acts of Parliament protecting your rights as a leasehold tenant.

If you are not sure of your rights, a solicitor can advise you or you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau [external website]

You can also see copies of The Leasehold Advisory Service Acts online [external website]

Your rights

  1. You have the right to ask your landlord to keep the 'common parts' of your block in a fit state of repair.
  2. You also have the right to be consulted about major repairs for which you will have to pay a share.
  3. You have the right to be consulted about agreements or contracts for services that the landlord wishes to buy in from outside the company for a period of over 12 months (for example: cleaning communal areas).
  4. You have the right to information about service charges and the right to challenge how reasonable those charges are.
  5. You have the right to make alterations to the inside of your flat, as long as you do not remove structural walls or cause damage to the outside or shared parts of the building.
  6. You have the right to expect your landlord to deal with problems in your block, such as neighbour nuisance.
  7. Under the law, you have the right to the 'quiet enjoyment' of your home, to live peacefully in your flat without interference from your neighbours or the landlord, as long as you keep to the conditions of your lease.
  8. You have the right to sell your lease to anyone you want to.  You can also leave it to someone in your will or give it as a gift.
  9. You have the right to take in lodgers or rent your flat to anyone you want to.  You do not have to ask our permission, but you must let us know if you do sublet, as it may affect your insurance.
  10. You may affix a satellite dish, mast or aerial to our building provided you have contacted the Planning Department 01325 388542 to ensure you comply with planning regulations as the building can only have 2 affixed to it.

Your responsibilities

As a leaseholder, you effectively become a 'shareholder' in the block you live in.

You have a responsibility to:

  1. Keep the inside of the flat in good order
  2. Pay your share of the costs of managing and maintaining your block
  3. Meet the living costs such as Council Tax, gas and electricity.
  4. You are responsible for repairs to the inside of your flat and the glass in your windows.
    1. You should make your own arrangements to get someone to do the repairs for you.
    2. If you, or someone you have employed, are carrying out repairs inside your flat, you must make sure that no damage is done to shared services or the structure of the block.  You will be liable for any damage caused to the council's property and you will have to pay to have it put right.  If you are in any doubt about work you intend to carry out, contact Customer Services and explain the situation, they will decide if an inspection is needed.  You must not continue with the work if they tell you not to.
    3. You must not do repairs to landings, stairways and other shared areas, as you would not be covered by our insurance if you had an accident or caused damage.
    4. If you, your visitors or members of your household cause damage to shared areas you will have to pay for the repairs.