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Service charges are the most contentious element of property ownership and it’s rare that property managers have raving fans. It’s no secret that leasehold laws are desperate for reform - the industry awaits more detail on what this might look like, but the next twelve months could well see some pivotal changes. Discontent around service charges is rampant and has been for many years – but the industry has carried on regardless and has failed to take heed, thereby forcing the government to take the lead,

With recent statements from government indicating that significant parts of leasehold reform, including elements relating to service charges and legal costs, will be subject to further consultation in the coming year prior to the development and implementation of secondary legislation, the Technical & Complex Litigation team at JB Leitch turn our attention to recent and notable case law which provides a more immediate consideration of the precedents being established with regard to service charges in a Co

It might seem obtuse to say that spending money will save money but that is true for many things in property management. For example, proactive, cyclical major works to a block of flats is going to be more cost effective than attempting to patch up maintenance issues as they arise. A building’s declared value – the cost of rebuilding it including demolition costs, professional fees, VAT and more – is needed by an insurer to work out the cost of the buildings insurance. It’s a simple sum to calculate the p

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”) received the Royal Assent on 26th October 2023. Despite being in force for over a year now, how many directors of freehold companies, resident management companies, Right to Manage Company and/or managing agent professionals fully understand what this landmark legislation means for them and/or their clients? The ECCTA represents one of the most significant reforms to Company House since it began its corporate registration service in 1844. At

Ensuring service charge demands are issued correctly, and are therefore enforceable, is one of the most important roles of a managing agent. With changes on the horizon to how service charge demands are issued for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), managing agents should be preparing for their introduction, as they are likely to come into effect in a matter of months rather than years. Within this article we detail what you need to know about the new requirements under Sections 47A and 49A of the Landlord and

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook’s November 2024 statement makes a further promise to reform the law of forfeiture as it affects residential leases. We know from the passage of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (‘LAFRA’) (and the amendments tabled by Mr Pennycook when he was in opposition during the reading of the Act in the House of Lords) that this is something about which he feels passionately. However, the suggestion of reform of the law in this area is nothing new - indeed, the Law Commiss

UK rental services provider Housing Hand is working with landlords and accommodation providers to try and calm the increasing anxiety around the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill. Housing Hand will be hosting a solutions-focused webinar – Bringing solutions to the Renters’ Rights Bill for student accommodation providers – on 7th February 2025 at 11 am. The event follows the success of the firm’s December webinar, which looked at what the Renters’ Rights Bill could mean for property in the private rental

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has announced the appointment of Alex Woolmore as its new Head of Planning. This significant hire comes at a critical time for the group, as the government looks to housebuilders to ramp up delivery to meet its ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes. In her new role within Hill, Alex will provide advice and guidance on planning-related matters to support the promotion of the Group’s strategic land portfolio and the delivery of its existing pipeline.

Dangerous flash flooding, rising water tables and difficulties accessing insurance are among the increasing flood risk challenges facing households across the UK. Experts at national trade body, the Property Care Association (PCA), called for a strategic approach to manage flood risk for homes in a bid to encourage better resilience from flood water as the Government aims to fulfil its manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes. The PCA emphasised the need for a cohesive strategy for assessment of flood

The ongoing cladding crisis has taken another concerning turn following the sanctioning of fire engineer Adam Kiziak by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). This development has raised serious questions about the validity of numerous External Wall System (EWS1) forms and Fire Risk Assessments of External Walls (FRAEWs), leaving many leaseholders in limbo. Suspension Sparks Scrutiny of Fire Safety Assessments In August 2024, the IFE suspended Kiziak for six months due to breaches of its code of conduct

Residential property transactions could become easier following the removal of the two-year rule for leasehold property extensions which comes into force today (31 January 2025) but lawyers have warned the necessity of proving ownership could be challenging due to Land Registry backlogs. This significant change means leaseholders no longer need to own their leasehold property for at least two years before applying for a statutory lease extension of a flat or house, or enfranchisement (purchasing the freeh

UK property and construction specialist Watts Group has hired Carl Pledger as National Director of Project Management.  Based in London, he will lead the company’s Project Management team across its seven offices, as it seeks to expand. Watts Group’s Chairman, Trevor Rushton, said: “Carl’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for us as we continue to expand our nationwide business by building on our core strengths and embracing new opportunities.” Carl, who has worked extensively in the UK and internatio