Leasehold Issues

Owning a leasehold property can be complex and frustrating. Service charge disputes, short leases, and difficult freeholders can cost thousands and affect your property's value and saleability.

What Our Leasehold Solicitors Can Help With

Expert legal support for all leasehold matters:

• Lease Extensions: Formal and informal lease extension negotiations
• Service Charge Disputes: Challenging unreasonable or incorrect charges
• Right to Manage: Taking control of building management from freeholders
• Collective Enfranchisement: Group purchase of the freehold
• Individual Enfranchisement: Buying your own freehold (houses)
• Lease Variations: Changing lease terms and conditions
• Ground Rent Issues: Challenging excessive or increasing ground rents
• Right to Information: Accessing accounts and management information

Lease Extension Process

Extending your lease involves:

1. Qualification Check: Ensuring you meet the 2-year ownership requirement
2. Property Valuation: Professional assessment of premium payable
3. Section 42 Notice: Formal notice to freeholder claiming extension
4. Negotiation: Agreeing premium and new lease terms
5. Tribunal Application: If agreement cannot be reached
6. Completion: New lease granted and registered

Service Charge Disputes

Common service charge issues include:

• Unreasonable Charges: Excessive costs for maintenance or improvements
• Lack of Consultation: Major works without proper leaseholder consultation
• Poor Quality Work: Substandard maintenance or improvements
• Administrative Charges: Excessive fees for routine administration
• Reserve Fund Issues: Improper use of sinking fund monies

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Leasehold Issues

• Specialist Knowledge: Solicitors experienced in complex leasehold law
• Tribunal Experience: Representation at First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal
• Cost Management: Conditional fee arrangements and after-the-event insurance
• Strategic Advice: Best approach for your specific leasehold problem
• Group Actions: Coordinating with other leaseholders to share costs

Most lease extensions complete within 6-9 months, while service charge disputes often resolve through negotiation within 3-6 months.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.