leaseholdersProblem guide
Understanding my lease
Your lease is the most important document you have as a leaseholder. It can be long and hard to read, but it sets out what you can and cannot do, and what you have to pay.
The key facts
- A leaseholder owns the right to live in and use the property for a fixed term set by the lease, but does not own the building or land outright. The freeholder does.
- The lease sets your rights and responsibilities, including service charges, ground rent, repairs, subletting and alterations.
Common questions
What you can do now
- 1Find your lease, or ask for a copy in writing.
- 2Note how many years are left on the lease.
- 3Find the sections on service charges, ground rent and repairs.
- 4Check what it says about subletting and alterations before you make plans.
- 5Upload any part you do not understand to Explain my document.
Got a letter or a bill you don't understand?
Upload it. Get a plain-English explanation and what to do next.
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