What we do

Leasehold

It is common practice in the UK for most residential multi-occupancy buildings, such as blocks of flats, to be held on long leases. In such circumstances, the landlord will sometimes charge a ground rent and arrangements will be put in place to manage the 'common parts'. The leaseholders may also have rights to manage the property and to enfranchise (in effect, to acquire the freehold interest).

Major reform of this area of law took place in 2002 with the passing of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act. We continue to take a keen interest in the impact of the reforms.

As our members are clients of the property management sector, we are keen to promote professional property management. To that end, we have cordial relations with the Association of Residential Managing Agents and the Property Managers Association of Scotland, and support their drives to raise standards in the sector.

The Leasehold Advisory Service provides useful guidance and impartial information on long leasehold issues.