Leasehold questions, answered plainly

The amount leaseholders pay under their lease towards the cost of running, insuring, repairing and managing the building. The lease sets what can be charged and how it is split between flats.

Common reasons are higher insurance premiums, new safety requirements, increased reserve fund contributions ahead of major works, or a previous budget that was set too low. You are entitled to a clear explanation and to see the budget.

Yes. Leaseholders can request a written summary of the costs and then inspect the accounts, receipts and other supporting documents.

Generally no. Withholding payment puts you in breach of your lease and can lead to legal costs. The right route is to raise it formally and, if needed, apply to the First-tier Tribunal. One exception: a demand is not payable until it is accompanied by the statutory summary of rights and obligations.

Money set aside, where the lease allows, for large future costs such as a roof or lift replacement. It spreads the cost over several years. See our reserve funds guide.

Costs normally have to be demanded within 18 months of being incurred, or leaseholders must be told in writing within that time that they will be charged later. Otherwise the costs may not be recoverable.

A statutory notice telling leaseholders about proposed works or long-term contracts above set cost thresholds, and inviting their comments. See our Section 20 guide.

Yes. The first notice invites leaseholders to nominate a contractor, and the landlord must try to get an estimate from them.

If the works are required under the lease, properly consulted on and reasonably priced, generally yes. You can challenge whether the costs are reasonable at the First-tier Tribunal.

That depends on the lease and on the landlord or RMC. Many buildings agree payment plans for large demands. Ask early.

It depends entirely on the lease. In some leases windows belong to the flat; in others they are part of the structure. We always check the lease.

Contact the neighbour first if it is safe, and report it to the managing agent. Who pays depends on the source of the leak and the lease; it may also be a buildings insurance claim.

Many leases require the landlord's consent for alterations, especially structural changes, new flooring or changes to plumbing. Ask before starting work, not after.

Check the lease first: most contain covenants about noise, pets, rubbish and use of the common parts. If it is safe, a friendly conversation often solves it. If not, report it to the managing agent with dates and details. Serious or threatening behaviour should go to the police or the council.

Most breaches are mistakes. The agent should contact the leaseholder, set out the breach in writing and how to put it right, and only then consider formal steps such as a letter before action and specialist legal advice, with the directors' approval.

Damp caused by the building's structure, such as roof leaks or failed render, is usually for the building to fix. Condensation inside a flat is usually the occupier's issue. A proper inspection is needed to tell the difference.

Runs the building on behalf of the landlord, RMC or RTM company: finance, repairs, insurance, safety compliance, consultation and communication with leaseholders.

There is currently no licensing regime for block managing agents in England, but agents must belong to a government-approved redress scheme, and the government has consulted on mandatory qualifications. See our regulation page.

If an RMC or RTM company appoints the agent, it is a directors' decision followed by notice under the current contract. See how to change managing agent.

Follow the agent's complaints procedure first. If it is not resolved, you can take it to the agent's redress scheme. EKIN's is the Property Redress Scheme, membership PRS057065. See our complaints procedure.

A standard leasehold property enquiries form that the buyer's solicitor sends to the managing agent, asking about service charges, works, insurance and disputes. There is usually a fee for completing it.

Service charges are normally apportioned between buyer and seller on completion by the solicitors. Any arrears must be cleared.

Most flat owners have a statutory right to a lease extension, and since 31 January 2025 you no longer need to have owned the flat for two years first. It needs a specialist solicitor and valuer, and further reforms to the terms and valuation are expected. The managing agent can provide information the process needs.

Yes. Most leases require a notice of assignment and sometimes a deed of covenant or RMC membership transfer. Your solicitor normally handles this, and the agent updates the records.

Usually the building is insured under a single policy arranged by the landlord or management company, and you insure your own contents. Check your lease.

Yes. Leaseholders can request a summary of the insurance cover and inspect the policy.

Yes. The buildings policy covers the structure and common parts, not your belongings, furniture or improvements you have made. Contents cover is your responsibility.

Report the damage to the managing agent as soon as possible with photographs. Make the property safe if you can, and do not start permanent repairs until the insurer or loss adjuster agrees, except in an emergency.

The part of each claim the building pays before the insurer does. Whether it is charged to one flat or to everyone depends on the lease and the cause of the claim.