Leasehold ownership
Leasehold ownership is basically a long tenancy, that is, the right to occupy your flat or maisonette for a set period of time (known as the 'term' of the lease). This period is usually for 125 years and the flat can be bought and sold during the term of the lease. Bassetlaw District Council remains the landlord of the flat/maisonette.
Ownership usually consists of everything within the property including the floorboards, plastering to the walls and ceilings and all items that serve the property alone. Your landlord has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the building and owns the structure and communal areas including the land it stands on.
What is a Lease?
A Lease is the legally binding document that sets out the responsibilities of both the landlord and the leaseholder. This may include certain conditions on the use and occupation of the property.
When a lease is sold, the seller assigns all the rights and responsibilities of the lease to the purchaser together with any future service charges that have not been identified and may also include charges due that have not yet been paid.
Thinking of Buying a Leasehold Flat?
If you are considering buying a Council-owned leasehold flat or maisonette please ensure that your solicitor explains the details of the lease clearly. Although Bassetlaw District Council will be pleased to answer any queries we would always advise you to ensure that you seek professional, independent advice before you go ahead with the purchase either on the open market or through the ‘Right to Buy’.
Charges / rights and responsibilities
Service Charges
Leaseholders of flats and maisonettes receive service charge bills from the Council. These charges cover the leaseholders' share of the costs incurred by housing in managing, maintaining, repairing and improving the structure and communal parts of the block in which the flat is situated.
Service charges include, for example, the cleaning, lighting and day-to-day repairs of communal areas. In addition, leaseholders will also be charged their contribution towards more substantial work such as painting, major roof repairs, full window replacement scheme, etc. Such work is planned in advance (rather than responsive) and we will advise you before any such work is started, and ask you for your views.
Other charges required to be paid by leaseholders are ground rent (currently £10 per annum) and building insurance.
Leaseholders’ Rights and Responsibilities
Leaseholders have certain rights and responsibilities. For example, you have the right for the service charges to be reasonable and the right to be consulted on major repairs to the building. You also have a responsibility to pay those service charges in full and on time and a responsibility to keep the internal parts of the flat in good repair.
You can also get some general information on the rights and responsibilities of leaseholders from the Leasehold Advisory Services
For more information on long leases please contact Bassetlaw District Council.
Last Updated on Tuesday, January 14, 2025