Real questions from real directors and leaseholders. Answered with clause references from actual leases. These are the questions that cost £350 each at a solicitor. LEASE-iQ answers them in under 60 seconds.
Every question below would cost £350+VAT as a solicitor letter. LEASE-iQ answers them in 60 seconds. First 2 questions free.
The roof is almost always part of the "Retained Parts". That means the freeholder maintains it. Cost is recovered through the service charge. LEASE-iQ tells you exactly which clause defines "Retained Parts" in your specific lease.
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If the source is external, the freeholder is responsible. But most leases require leaseholders to report defects promptly. Delay-caused internal damage may fall on the leaseholder.
If cost exceeds £250 per leaseholder, you must follow S.20 consultationThe S.20 consultation process requires landlords to serve prescribed notice on leaseholders, provide information about proposed works, give 30 days for comments, and provide a summary before proceeding. Failure to follow the process limits recovery to £250 per unit. Full guidance. Skip it and you can only recover £250 per leaseholder.
Almost always yes for anything beyond cosmetic decoration. Kitchen refit is typically non-structural. Consent required but "cannot be unreasonably withheld."
Interest charges after 14 days, right to apply for forfeiture. But requires court determination and s.146 notice.
Only if your lease allows it. Many leases include sinking/reserve fund provisions. If yours doesn't, you can't demand contributions.
Escalating ground rent is common in older leases. LEASE-iQ reads your ground rent schedule and tells you exactly when the next review is.
Depends on your lease. Some prohibit subletting, some prohibit short-term letting, some say nothing. LEASE-iQ flags exactly which clause applies.
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Many leases include "no pets" clause or require consent. Check your specific lease wording.
Companies Act, health and safety, fire safety, Building Safety Act. Directors carry personal liability for all of these. BLOCK-iQ tracks all 21 statutory obligations so nothing falls through the cracks.
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First-tier Tribunal (FTT) handles service charges, lease variations, etc. Less formal than court but binding. Costs rarely awarded.
Depends on your lease subletting/assignment clause. Most allow with consent. A solicitor letter to check this would cost £350. LEASE-iQ finds the exact clause in 60 seconds.
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Almost always yes beyond cosmetic work. Freeholders require consent to ensure major works don't damage communal areas or structural integrity.
Depends on leak origin. If it's from the neighbor's pipes or negligence, they're responsible. If it's from communal plumbing or the structure above, the freeholder is responsible.
Check your lease for pet restriction or nuisance clause. Many leases prohibit pets entirely or require consent.
Service charges must be "reasonable" under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985. You have the right to request a summary, inspect receipts, and apply to the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) if you believe it's unreasonable. LEASE-iQ reads your lease and tells you exactly what your service charge should cover.
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Probably, if your lease was granted before 30 June 2022. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 only applies to new leases from that date onwards. Check your lease schedule to confirm the ground rent review terms.
Interest charges after 14 days, ultimately forfeiture (loss of flat). The freeholder must follow strict legal procedures including s.146 notice.
Yes. Under current law, below 80 years, extension costs more due to "marriage value." Below 70 years, most lenders won't lend. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 abolishes marriage value, but this provision is not yet in force. Implementation is expected late 2026 at the earliest. Take professional advice on whether to extend now or wait.
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Most require notice to freeholder (assignment), notice fee, and deed of covenant from buyer. Some include "rights of first refusal" for the freeholder or neighboring leaseholders.
Share of Freehold (SoF): You own the freehold directly through collective enfranchisement, have full control, can set charges and make all decisions. Requires at least 50% of qualifying tenants to participate. Higher legal costs than RTM. Right to Manage (RTM): You manage the building only, freeholder retains ownership and certain rights. Also requires 50% participation but lower costs. RTM is quicker to establish.