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What our customers are asking:

How can I trace my missing freeholder?

Tracing a missing freeholder can be a challenging task, but there are steps you can take to try and locate them. Here are some methods you can consider when attempting to trace a missing freeholder:- Check property records: Start by reviewing property records and ...

Read more
Read by(63)

How does the Avon Ground Rents Ltd v Cowley 2019 sheds light on the obligations of leaseholders and the remedies available to landlords in the context of leasehold properties?

Avon Ground Rents Ltd v Cowley and others is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and application of leasehold covenants and the consequences of breaching those covenants. The case sheds light on the obligations of leaseholders and the remedies ava...

Read more
Read by(63)

Why is the case of Phillips And Goddard V Francis (2012) revolves around service charges in leasehold properties?

The case of Phillips and Goddard v Francis, also known as the "Phillips and Goddard v Francis (2012)" case, is a significant decision in UK caselaw that revolves around service charges in leasehold properties. It pertains to the interpretation of Section 20 of the La...

Read more
Read by(62)

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information about the energy efficiency of a property in the UK. It rates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a building on a scale from A to G.

Read more
Read by(61)

How is the case of the case of Daejan Investments Ltd v Benson and Others [2013] addresses the interpretation and application of Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985?

The case of Daejan Investments Ltd v Benson and Others [2013] is a significant decision in UK caselaw that addresses the interpretation and application of Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The case specifically explores the requirements for consultation...

Read more
Read by(60)

How many exits did the Grenfell Tower have?

Grenfell Tower had only one exit, no sprinklers and had a 'stay put' policy. The Fire Risk Assessment did not consider the risks from the flammable materials that caused devastating external fire spread. The Fire Service did not change the 'stay put policy' on the d...

Read more
Read by(60)

15. What does an absent landlord insurance policy cover?

Absent landlord insurance policies typically provide coverage for situations where the landlord of a property is absent or untraceable. While the specific coverage can vary between insurance providers, here are some common aspects covered by absent landlord insurance...

Read more
Read by(59)

How much can individuals expect their Council Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to increase in 2024-25?

On average, individuals can anticipate a 17 per cent increase in LHA rates for 2024-25. This translates to an additional 110 per month, providing crucial relief for renters facing escalating housing costs.

Read more
Read by(59)

No freeholder to repair and maintain the communal areas

When there is no freeholder available to repair and maintain the communal areas of a property, it can create challenges for the leaseholders or residents. Here are some possible steps to address this situation:- Review the lease agreement: Examine the lease agreem...

Read more
Read by(58)

Can I refuse to pay ground rent if the freeholder is absent?

The absence of a freeholder does not automatically entitle you to refuse to pay ground rent. Ground rent is typically a contractual obligation outlined in the lease agreement, and unless there are specific provisions or legal circumstances that relieve you of the obl...

Read more
Read by(58)

Where and how do you keep service charge monies? How are they administered and who receives any interest?

All client funds are held in interest-bearing client accounts administered in accordance with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Client Money Protection Scheme. All interest accrues to the leaseholders. All accounts are managed according to the RICS Code...

Read more
Read by(56)

What is the factors or scoring criteria in Sustainalytics ESG risk ratings?

Sustainalytics is a leading provider of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research and ratings. Their ESG risk ratings assess the ESG performance and risk exposure of companies based on a range of criteria. While the exact factors and scoring criteria used ...

Read more
Read by(56)

What is the significance of the Renters' Reform Bill's new database for HMRC?

The database introduced by the Renters' Reform Bill is expected to be a valuable resource for HMRC, helping track landlords who may have failed to disclose their rental income.

Read more
Read by(55)

The case of Continental Property Ventures Inc v White was brought in regard to the enforceability of lease covenants and a landlord's right to forfeit a lease in relation to the breaches committed by a tenant.

Continental Property Ventures Inc v White [2006] 1 E.G.L.R. 85SummaryThe case of Continental Property Ventures Inc v White [2006] 1 E.G.L.R. 85 was brought in regard to the enforceability of lease covenants and a landlord's right to forfeit a lease in relation to the...

Read more
Read by(55)

What is the average cost of renting a home in Wembley?

The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Wembley is around 1600 per month. However, rental prices can fluctuate depending on the location of the home.

Read more
Read by(53)

Which are the best areas to invest in real estate in Coventry?

Experts recommend investing in Westwood Heath, Earlsdon, Wainbody, Woodlands, Cheylesmor, and Whitmore Park.

Read more
Read by(53)

What is a Licence to Assign?

A Licence to Assign is in simplist for permission to sell the property in question. Licence to assign is granted by the Freeholder to the current Leaseholder. Where a lease requires a Licence to assign before the lease can be sold it would be a breach of lease to sel...

Read more
Read by(53)

What are the factors or scoring criteria in MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) ESG ratings?

MSCI ESG Ratings is a system that evaluates the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and real estate assets. MSCI stands for Morgan Stanley Capital International. MSCI is a global provider of investment decision support tools, includin...

Read more
Read by(53)

How do I challenge a leasehold service charge? 

This is a common question amongst leaseholders who either feel they are being over charged or that they are not receiving value for money form their managing agent. In the first instance they need to write to the managing agent stating their concerns and if a satisfa...

Read more
Read by(53)

Why is the case of Burr V OM Property Management Limited [2013] important to the timing of invoicing utility bills as service charge?

Burr v OM Property Management Limited [2013] is a notable case in UK caselaw that involved a dispute between a leaseholder, Mrs. Burr, and the property management company, OM Property Management Limited. The case centered around the issue of service charges and the i...

Read more
Read by(53)

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are accounted for and not charged excessively.

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management LimitedSummaryNV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are acco...

Read more
Read by(52)

What is the construction of a restrictive covenant imposed on a parcel of residential property and how such a covenant would have affected future development?

Skelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 1139, [2018] 1 WLR 362SummarySkelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) is a leading case in the law of property pertaining to the enforcement of restrictive covenants. The judgment by the Court of Appeal was essentially bas...

Read more
Read by(52)

How much of London's housing is on Airbnb? And what regulations are there?

According to Mayor Khan, there are 81,792 listings on Airbnb in London, with 50,401 of them offering entire properties for short-term stays. Airbnb pointed out that homes in London cannot be rented for over 90 days a year without proper planning permission. They wer...

Read more
Read by(51)

On decision making - at present the Freehold flats have one vote each in the Freehold company, which may causes a stalemate in the future. However, we don't want the non freeholder director to have the casting vote, as this will give them greater control than the freeholders. So the question is: Can we appoint a non freeholder as an additional director, but limit their vote to only maintenance issues and not issue affecting the interest of the freehold.

YES, you can and you can call up on that person when you need to. Qualified Chartered surveyors such as myself can act as a 'professional Director' the cost is 100 per annum

Read more
Read by(51)

Whether the service charges claimed by the landlord were reasonable and recoverable under the lease.

Court of Appeal – [2020] UKUT 163 (LC) No. 1 West India Quay (Residential) Ltd Vs East Tower Apartments LtdSummaryThe case of No. 1 West India Quay (Residential) Ltd v East Tower Apartments Ltd [2020] UKUT 163 (LC) is a service charge landlord and tenant dispute. The...

Read more
Read by(50)

Which is the best place to live in Wembley?

Many prefer settling in Sudbury Hill, North Wembley, and Preston Road areas. There are other places to settle down and enjoy life in Wembley.

Read more
Read by(50)

How do you value a property developer?

Gross development value less costs, known as the Residual Method, is used to establish a range of values for Land & Development Valuations and the depreciated replacement cost method can be used for specialist properties where there is a very limited market, such...

Read more
Read by(50)

The case identifies disputes arising over property right, property law, and the exposition of tenancy agreements in public authority leases.

Brent LBC v Shulem B Association [2011] EWHC 1663 (Ch)SummaryThe case of Brent London Borough Council (LBC) v Shulem B Association [2011] EWHC 1663 (Ch) concerns a claim for the determination of the court in matters of property possession. Brent LBC sought possession...

Read more
Read by(49)

Interpretation of given contractual terms specifying rent review mechanism under a lease agreement between E.ON UK plc and Gilesports Ltd.

E.ON UK plc v Gilesports Ltd [2012] EWHC 2172 (Ch)SummaryE.ON UK plc v Gilesports Ltd [2012] EWHC 2172 (Ch) is a case that carries immense importance within the realms of commercial leases and specially in the context of the interpretation of rent review clauses. The...

Read more
Read by(48)

Who is responsible for maintaining the property if the freeholder is absent?

If the freeholder of a leasehold property is absent or cannot be located, the responsibility for maintaining the property may fall on the leaseholders or a managing agent appointed by the leaseholders. In such cases, the specific responsibilities can vary depending o...

Read more
Read by(48)

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:


How can I trace my missing freeholder?

Tracing a missing freeholder can be a challenging task, but there are steps you can take to try and locate them. Here are some methods you can consider when attempting to trace a missing freeholder:- Check property records: Start by reviewing property records and ...


Read More

How does the Avon Ground Rents Ltd v Cowley 2019 sheds light on the obligations of leaseholders and the remedies available to landlords in the context of leasehold properties?

Avon Ground Rents Ltd v Cowley and others is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and application of leasehold covenants and the consequences of breaching those covenants. The case sheds light on the obligations of leaseholders and the remedies ava...


Read More

Why is the case of Phillips And Goddard V Francis (2012) revolves around service charges in leasehold properties?

The case of Phillips and Goddard v Francis, also known as the "Phillips and Goddard v Francis (2012)" case, is a significant decision in UK caselaw that revolves around service charges in leasehold properties. It pertains to the interpretation of Section 20 of the La...


Read More

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information about the energy efficiency of a property in the UK. It rates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a building on a scale from A to G.


Read More

How is the case of the case of Daejan Investments Ltd v Benson and Others [2013] addresses the interpretation and application of Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985?

The case of Daejan Investments Ltd v Benson and Others [2013] is a significant decision in UK caselaw that addresses the interpretation and application of Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The case specifically explores the requirements for consultation...


Read More

How many exits did the Grenfell Tower have?

Grenfell Tower had only one exit, no sprinklers and had a 'stay put' policy. The Fire Risk Assessment did not consider the risks from the flammable materials that caused devastating external fire spread. The Fire Service did not change the 'stay put policy' on the d...


Read More

15. What does an absent landlord insurance policy cover?

Absent landlord insurance policies typically provide coverage for situations where the landlord of a property is absent or untraceable. While the specific coverage can vary between insurance providers, here are some common aspects covered by absent landlord insurance...


Read More

How much can individuals expect their Council Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to increase in 2024-25?

On average, individuals can anticipate a 17 per cent increase in LHA rates for 2024-25. This translates to an additional 110 per month, providing crucial relief for renters facing escalating housing costs.


Read More

No freeholder to repair and maintain the communal areas

When there is no freeholder available to repair and maintain the communal areas of a property, it can create challenges for the leaseholders or residents. Here are some possible steps to address this situation:- Review the lease agreement: Examine the lease agreem...


Read More

Can I refuse to pay ground rent if the freeholder is absent?

The absence of a freeholder does not automatically entitle you to refuse to pay ground rent. Ground rent is typically a contractual obligation outlined in the lease agreement, and unless there are specific provisions or legal circumstances that relieve you of the obl...


Read More

Where and how do you keep service charge monies? How are they administered and who receives any interest?

All client funds are held in interest-bearing client accounts administered in accordance with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Client Money Protection Scheme. All interest accrues to the leaseholders. All accounts are managed according to the RICS Code...


Read More

What is the factors or scoring criteria in Sustainalytics ESG risk ratings?

Sustainalytics is a leading provider of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research and ratings. Their ESG risk ratings assess the ESG performance and risk exposure of companies based on a range of criteria. While the exact factors and scoring criteria used ...


Read More

What is the significance of the Renters' Reform Bill's new database for HMRC?

The database introduced by the Renters' Reform Bill is expected to be a valuable resource for HMRC, helping track landlords who may have failed to disclose their rental income.


Read More

The case of Continental Property Ventures Inc v White was brought in regard to the enforceability of lease covenants and a landlord's right to forfeit a lease in relation to the breaches committed by a tenant.

Continental Property Ventures Inc v White [2006] 1 E.G.L.R. 85SummaryThe case of Continental Property Ventures Inc v White [2006] 1 E.G.L.R. 85 was brought in regard to the enforceability of lease covenants and a landlord's right to forfeit a lease in relation to the...


Read More

What is the average cost of renting a home in Wembley?

The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Wembley is around 1600 per month. However, rental prices can fluctuate depending on the location of the home.


Read More

Which are the best areas to invest in real estate in Coventry?

Experts recommend investing in Westwood Heath, Earlsdon, Wainbody, Woodlands, Cheylesmor, and Whitmore Park.


Read More

What is a Licence to Assign?

A Licence to Assign is in simplist for permission to sell the property in question. Licence to assign is granted by the Freeholder to the current Leaseholder. Where a lease requires a Licence to assign before the lease can be sold it would be a breach of lease to sel...


Read More

What are the factors or scoring criteria in MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) ESG ratings?

MSCI ESG Ratings is a system that evaluates the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and real estate assets. MSCI stands for Morgan Stanley Capital International. MSCI is a global provider of investment decision support tools, includin...


Read More

How do I challenge a leasehold service charge? 

This is a common question amongst leaseholders who either feel they are being over charged or that they are not receiving value for money form their managing agent. In the first instance they need to write to the managing agent stating their concerns and if a satisfa...


Read More

Why is the case of Burr V OM Property Management Limited [2013] important to the timing of invoicing utility bills as service charge?

Burr v OM Property Management Limited [2013] is a notable case in UK caselaw that involved a dispute between a leaseholder, Mrs. Burr, and the property management company, OM Property Management Limited. The case centered around the issue of service charges and the i...


Read More

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are accounted for and not charged excessively.

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management LimitedSummaryNV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are acco...


Read More

What is the construction of a restrictive covenant imposed on a parcel of residential property and how such a covenant would have affected future development?

Skelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 1139, [2018] 1 WLR 362SummarySkelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) is a leading case in the law of property pertaining to the enforcement of restrictive covenants. The judgment by the Court of Appeal was essentially bas...


Read More

How much of London's housing is on Airbnb? And what regulations are there?

According to Mayor Khan, there are 81,792 listings on Airbnb in London, with 50,401 of them offering entire properties for short-term stays. Airbnb pointed out that homes in London cannot be rented for over 90 days a year without proper planning permission. They wer...


Read More

On decision making - at present the Freehold flats have one vote each in the Freehold company, which may causes a stalemate in the future. However, we don't want the non freeholder director to have the casting vote, as this will give them greater control than the freeholders. So the question is: Can we appoint a non freeholder as an additional director, but limit their vote to only maintenance issues and not issue affecting the interest of the freehold.

YES, you can and you can call up on that person when you need to. Qualified Chartered surveyors such as myself can act as a 'professional Director' the cost is 100 per annum


Read More

Whether the service charges claimed by the landlord were reasonable and recoverable under the lease.

Court of Appeal – [2020] UKUT 163 (LC) No. 1 West India Quay (Residential) Ltd Vs East Tower Apartments LtdSummaryThe case of No. 1 West India Quay (Residential) Ltd v East Tower Apartments Ltd [2020] UKUT 163 (LC) is a service charge landlord and tenant dispute. The...


Read More

Which is the best place to live in Wembley?

Many prefer settling in Sudbury Hill, North Wembley, and Preston Road areas. There are other places to settle down and enjoy life in Wembley.


Read More

How do you value a property developer?

Gross development value less costs, known as the Residual Method, is used to establish a range of values for Land & Development Valuations and the depreciated replacement cost method can be used for specialist properties where there is a very limited market, such...


Read More

The case identifies disputes arising over property right, property law, and the exposition of tenancy agreements in public authority leases.

Brent LBC v Shulem B Association [2011] EWHC 1663 (Ch)SummaryThe case of Brent London Borough Council (LBC) v Shulem B Association [2011] EWHC 1663 (Ch) concerns a claim for the determination of the court in matters of property possession. Brent LBC sought possession...


Read More

Interpretation of given contractual terms specifying rent review mechanism under a lease agreement between E.ON UK plc and Gilesports Ltd.

E.ON UK plc v Gilesports Ltd [2012] EWHC 2172 (Ch)SummaryE.ON UK plc v Gilesports Ltd [2012] EWHC 2172 (Ch) is a case that carries immense importance within the realms of commercial leases and specially in the context of the interpretation of rent review clauses. The...


Read More

Who is responsible for maintaining the property if the freeholder is absent?

If the freeholder of a leasehold property is absent or cannot be located, the responsibility for maintaining the property may fall on the leaseholders or a managing agent appointed by the leaseholders. In such cases, the specific responsibilities can vary depending o...


Read More