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Unfortunately, many leaseholders undertake works within their flat which are often in breach of the terms of their leases. One common breach, is the removal of carpets and installation of wooden floors. In accordance with the terms of many leases, carpets must be laid in all areas except for the kitchen and bathroom, unless otherwise approved by the landlord. If no such consent has been granted, you could be currently in Breach of Lease. The implications of being in Breach of Lease are serious and can

A new fund is being launched to help leaseholders, (particularly those who may be vulnerable and/or elderly), afford legal assistance to advise them on matters such as the LVT process, escalating service charges and exit fees. Called LKPaid, the fund is the brainchild of Melissa Briggs who rose to prominence for her campaigning work leading Carlex and its demands for leasehold reform. “Having exposed malpractice in the property management industry over the past few years, I set up the Leasehold Knowledg

The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 was expected to have a major impact on a number of areas of leasehold management. Whilst many of the new regulations anticipated have come into law, those most directly affecting accounting were never enacted. In 2010 the new government let it be known that it was unlikely that it would enact the regulations previously anticipated. As a result, expected regulations regarding the form and content of service charge accounts, independent accountants’ reports and d

Insurance providers have offered legal expenses insurance policies in the property owner and property management sector for many years. Many of today’s insurance policies miss a critical component by not fully protecting the policyholder against legal costs incurred by defending applications made to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT). Today’s economic market, together with well informed leaseholders means that LVT applications and determinations are becoming more commonplace. This increase in number

Members of the House of Lords have called for the law commission to simplify leasehold law. Baroness, Lady Butler-Sloss and Baroness Williams urged the Conservative Minister, Baroness Hanham to consider the Government’s position during a Parliamentary debate on consolidating all landlord and tenant legislation. Baroness Hanham admitted that, “... leasehold law in particular can be complex and people find it difficult to understand” but refused to commit to a Law Commission consultation. The Federation of

Peverel Scotland is urging the Scottish Executive to raise the bar on property laws with the forthcoming Property Factors Act. The company wants to stamp out practices such as underinsurance, ‘hidden’ commissions, improper accounting of service charges, and the complete lack of separate banking for clients’ funds - and for there to be tough sanctions for those that do not comply with the required standards. Keith Murray, Director of Peverel Scotland, has written accordingly to Housing Secretary Alex Reid,

The value of thousands of flat owners’ properties will reduce if they do nothing and hope for the best. Many leases are dated at the end of the quarter, particularly June and December. If your lease is below 85 years, every year the lease reduces, the cost of a lease extension or freehold purchase rises. Under 80 years, the cost rise accelerates. This can be thousands of pounds a year, eroding the underlying value of the flat over time. It is simple to preserve the value of your investment, if you act i

Frognal estate comprises five blocks totalling 54 flats. By 2009 it had been neglected for decades, there was a long history of multiple litigation between the landlord and the lessees, the lifts had been out of service for years, Enforcement Notices had been served by the Local Authority and insurance cover for water damage had been withdrawn. The Residents’ Association (FERA) applied to the LVT for a Manager to be appointed, the landlord agreed, the Tribunal approved a Management Plan, and a Specificat

In conjunction with News on the Block, Brady Solicitors commissioned an independent market research company to undertake an in-depth telephone survey into the changing pressures, opportunities and challenges faced by the property management industry. Over 100 of you took part during November 2011 and in this report, Brady Solicitors’ Clare Brady shares with you the highlights of these interviews. Regulation is a popular topic in the property management press, with many calling for a clearer regulatory

Award winning chartered surveyors Caxtons, one of the largest property practices in the South East, launched a fresh corporate image for the New Year and in addition, appointed a new Chairman. The company, founded in 1990, and with offices throughout the region, has spent the past six months refreshing its traditional image. This more modern, brighter image echoes the changing face of the company and its fresh, new outlook, according to Marketing Director David Gurton. Despite the difficult economic

At the recent Leasehold Forum Conference, James Wyatt, Head of Valuation at John D Wood was forthright in giving a personal view that the basis on which deferment rates were set in the leading Sportelli decision is incorrect and that there is no reason to assume continual upward growth in the property market. He explained that when property prices are analysed over a longer period, rather than from 1952 which is the date traditionally used, it is clear to see that prices do fall. Whilst a departure from t

A new fund is being launched to help leaseholders, (particularly those who may be vulnerable and/or elderly), afford legal assistance to advise them on matters such as the LVT process, escalating service charges and exit fees.  Called LKPaid, the fund is the brainchild of Melissa Briggs who rose to prominence for her campaigning work leading CarlEX and its demands for leasehold reform.  "Having exposed malpractice in the property management industry over the past few years, I set up the Leasehold Knowledg