Ask The Experts

You can write to your managing agent or landlord to request a summary of your service charge account which should be provided to you within one month of your request or within six months of the end of the accounting period whichever is the later; you also have the right to ask to see receipts, invoices etc for the last accounting year.

You have the right to add 90 years to what is left on your existing lease term at a “peppercorn” rent (no ground rent is paid); the landlord is entitled to receive a premium for this which is calculated on a set formula. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate a lease extension with your landlord on whatever terms you can agree. Lease extensions can be a complicated process so you might want to seek professional help enquiries@startleaseextensions.co.uk

Leaseholders have the legal right to collectively buy the freehold of their building if they meet the required qualifying criteria; this is called “collective enfranchisement”. It is also possible for leaseholders to negotiate informally with the freeholder to buy the freehold by agreement.  It can be a bit of a process, so you should think about getting professional help.