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What our customers are asking:

What is an EWS1 Survey?

EWS1 (External Wall Fire Review) is a form of assessment used in the UK to evaluate the fire safety of external walls of high-rise residential buildings. It was introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which highlighted serious safety concerns ...

Read more
Read by(24)

What is the leading case law on lease breaches and RTM Companies?

The 2023 case of Eastpoint Block, an RTM Company Limited v Otubaga, focused on the authority of a Right to Manage (RTM) company to seek a lease breach determination under Section 168 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (CLRA). This Court of Appeal decisi...

Read more
Read by(24)

We achieved our RTM 1st and run the block through a RTM company, we have since bought the Freehold and have a Freehold company as well and would like to simplify things. The problem being, 1 leaseholder is a member of the RTM company only and a Director

There is little point having 2 companies on a small site such as this as the accountancy costs of preparing service charge accounts for the RTM company and 2 sets of dormant company accounts for both the RTM and Freehold Company is dis-proportionate to the benefits. ...

Read more
Read by(23)

how does the case of Iperion Investments Corp. v Broadwalk House Residents Ltd [1995] 2 EGLR 47 is a notable legal case application of restrictive covenants and the rights and obligations of parties in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Iperion Investments Corp. v Broadwalk House Residents Ltd [1995] 2 EGLR 47 is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and application of restrictive covenants and the rights and obligations of parties in relation to leasehold properties.Re...

Read more
Read by(23)

What is the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS)?

The New Homes Ombudsman Service is an independent body responsible for reviewing cases and resolving disputes related to breaches of the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) in the UK's newly built private homes sector. It comes into being as part of The Building Safety Ac...

Read more
Read by(23)

What are the problems with absent freeholders?

The presence of an absent freeholder can lead to several problems and challenges for leaseholders and the management of the property. Some of the common problems associated with absent freeholders include:- Lack of maintenance and repairs: An absent freeholder may...

Read more
Read by(22)

how does The case of Mullaney v Maybourne Grange (Croydon) Management Co [1986] 1 E.G.L.R. 70 deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Mullaney v Maybourne Grange (Croydon) Management Co [1986] 1 E.G.L.R. 70 is a significant legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties.Mr. Mullaney challenged the validity and e...

Read more
Read by(22)

Which was the first Build to rent project?

The pilot BTR project was in Stratford at the Olympic village when temporary accommodate wrens for athletes were converted into professionally managed rental homes.

Read more
Read by(22)

How do you get a freehold from an absent landlord?

Obtaining the freehold from an absent landlord can be a complex process, but it is possible under certain circumstances. Here are some potential steps that can be taken:- Investigate the lease: Review the terms of the lease agreement to determine if there are any ...

Read more
Read by(21)

What key aspects of the Renters Reform Bill might have been enacted earlier?

Early enactments may include regulations for annual rent increases, the right for renters to challenge excessive rent hikes, simplified eviction processes for nuisance tenants, and new grounds for repossession for landlords.

Read more
Read by(21)

how does The case of Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties.In this case, Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd (the claimant...

Read more
Read by(21)

2. What are alternative options for RTM for property management?

Sending a Section 22 notice to landlords asking them to fix problems, approaching a tribunal to appoint a new manager, and forming a Tenant's Association are a few alternatives for the Right to Manage.

Read more
Read by(21)

why is the case of Lurcott vs wakely deal with the concept of vicarious liability in the context of employer-employee relationships?

The case of Lurcott v Wakely [1911] is a significant decision in UK caselaw that deals with the concept of vicarious liability in the context of employer-employee relationships.The case involved Mr. Wakely, a farmer, who employed Mr. Hirons to carry out work on his f...

Read more
Read by(21)

How can a self-service portal help property managers?

A self-service portal provides the convenience of 24/7 accessibility to resident services and improves customer satisfaction. Happy customers are sure to recommend the property to others through positive reviews.

Read more
Read by(21)

Should a Management Company hold service charges and reserve funds in the same account?

The landlord or management company should hold reserve funds in a separate account, attracting a better interest rate.

Read more
Read by(21)

how does The case of Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and others v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC) deals with the interpretation and enforcement of service charges in leasehold properties?

The case of Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and others v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC) is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of service charges in leasehold properties.In this case, Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and other l...

Read more
Read by(21)

When did the Government end the four-year freeze on Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates?

The freeze on LHA rates was lifted on January 31, 2024 when the new rates for 2024-25 were officially announced. Thr purpose being to address the growing disparity between rental costs and housing benefits.

Read more
Read by(20)

What exactly is a party wall?

t forms part of a building and stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners orIt separates buildings and it either stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners.

Read more
Read by(20)

Dispute relation to the reasonableness of service charges and the obligations of a landlord left in the lease.

Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another [2019] UKUT 236 (LC)SummaryBackground Facts Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another [2019] UKUT 236 (LC) is a case of a dispute relation to the reasonableness of service charges and the obligat...

Read more
Read by(20)

What is commonhold? Commonhold for residential blocks of flats explained

Commonhold refers to a type of property ownership that was introduced by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, but not made mandatory. It provides an alternative to leasehold ownership, which is the traditional form of property ownership for residential flats...

Read more
Read by(20)

1. What are the criteria for the creation of RTM?

The required minimum number of qualifying tenants must be equal to at least half of the total number of flats in the building. The RTM act allows a landlord to become a member because of their interest in the property. A landlord cannot become a director of the RTM ...

Read more
Read by(20)

Can the lease be terminated if the freeholder is absent?

The termination of a lease due to the absence of a freeholder is a complex legal matter that depends on various factors, including the specific terms of the lease agreement and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Generally, the absence of a...

Read more
Read by(20)

I am the Company Secretary of the company which owns the freehold of Hillside, a building which comprises 7 flats. All 7 lessees are shareholders in the company. The company is a member of the FPRA. I am the leaseholder of flat 2. We are about to appoint a contractor to carry out the external decoration of the building which is a three story Victorian house. We are unclear whether the Directors have any other responsibilities when appointing a contractor. We have read, for example, about the HSEs CDM regulations. To what extent do they apply in our case? Do you know of any guidelines or can you help us to decide what we need to do to ensure that we comply with them?

The answer on CDM is The CDM Regulations deal with the management of health and safety and they place duties on clients, planning supervisors, designers and contractors to plan, coordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of the construction project...

Read more
Read by(19)

What happens if our absent freeholder subsequently turns up and claims ownership of the building?

If an absent freeholder suddenly reappears and claims ownership of a building after a vesting order or any other action has been taken, the situation can become legally complex. Here's a general overview of what might happen in such a scenario:- Legal challenge: T...

Read more
Read by(19)

What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?

A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.

Read more
Read by(19)

What is PBSA?

PBSA refers to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation designed and built for university or college students. PBSA usually includes various types of accommodation, such as shared apartments, en-suite rooms, studios, and cluster flats.

Read more
Read by(19)

What is Build to Rent (BTR)?

· Build to Rent (BTR) is a lifestyle phrase for purpose-built long-term rental property given by professional landlords in the United Kingdom, BTR is the UK equivalent of their multi-family sector“With nearly 1.74 million homeowners expected to reside in BTR ...

Read more
Read by(19)

Who is responsible for the cost of remedial works?

While the inspection cost is a service charge, the responsibility and cost for remedial works lie with the apartment's owner.

Read more
Read by(18)

What is an annual general meeting?

An annual general meeting AGM is a meeting that is required by the Companies Acts to present the accounts to the shareholders of the business, approve accounts, elect/re-elect directors, appoint and set the remuneration of the auditors. An AGM must be held within 15 ...

Read more
Read by(18)

How does the The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill impact new leasehold properties?

The Bill prohibits the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales while exempting new leaseholds on flats.

Read more
Read by(18)

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:


What is an EWS1 Survey?

EWS1 (External Wall Fire Review) is a form of assessment used in the UK to evaluate the fire safety of external walls of high-rise residential buildings. It was introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which highlighted serious safety concerns ...


Read More

What is the leading case law on lease breaches and RTM Companies?

The 2023 case of Eastpoint Block, an RTM Company Limited v Otubaga, focused on the authority of a Right to Manage (RTM) company to seek a lease breach determination under Section 168 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (CLRA). This Court of Appeal decisi...


Read More

We achieved our RTM 1st and run the block through a RTM company, we have since bought the Freehold and have a Freehold company as well and would like to simplify things. The problem being, 1 leaseholder is a member of the RTM company only and a Director

There is little point having 2 companies on a small site such as this as the accountancy costs of preparing service charge accounts for the RTM company and 2 sets of dormant company accounts for both the RTM and Freehold Company is dis-proportionate to the benefits. ...


Read More

how does the case of Iperion Investments Corp. v Broadwalk House Residents Ltd [1995] 2 EGLR 47 is a notable legal case application of restrictive covenants and the rights and obligations of parties in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Iperion Investments Corp. v Broadwalk House Residents Ltd [1995] 2 EGLR 47 is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and application of restrictive covenants and the rights and obligations of parties in relation to leasehold properties.Re...


Read More

What is the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS)?

The New Homes Ombudsman Service is an independent body responsible for reviewing cases and resolving disputes related to breaches of the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) in the UK's newly built private homes sector. It comes into being as part of The Building Safety Ac...


Read More

What are the problems with absent freeholders?

The presence of an absent freeholder can lead to several problems and challenges for leaseholders and the management of the property. Some of the common problems associated with absent freeholders include:- Lack of maintenance and repairs: An absent freeholder may...


Read More

how does The case of Mullaney v Maybourne Grange (Croydon) Management Co [1986] 1 E.G.L.R. 70 deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Mullaney v Maybourne Grange (Croydon) Management Co [1986] 1 E.G.L.R. 70 is a significant legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties.Mr. Mullaney challenged the validity and e...


Read More

Which was the first Build to rent project?

The pilot BTR project was in Stratford at the Olympic village when temporary accommodate wrens for athletes were converted into professionally managed rental homes.


Read More

How do you get a freehold from an absent landlord?

Obtaining the freehold from an absent landlord can be a complex process, but it is possible under certain circumstances. Here are some potential steps that can be taken:- Investigate the lease: Review the terms of the lease agreement to determine if there are any ...


Read More

What key aspects of the Renters Reform Bill might have been enacted earlier?

Early enactments may include regulations for annual rent increases, the right for renters to challenge excessive rent hikes, simplified eviction processes for nuisance tenants, and new grounds for repossession for landlords.


Read More

how does The case of Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties?

The case of Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of restrictive covenants in relation to leasehold properties.In this case, Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd (the claimant...


Read More

2. What are alternative options for RTM for property management?

Sending a Section 22 notice to landlords asking them to fix problems, approaching a tribunal to appoint a new manager, and forming a Tenant's Association are a few alternatives for the Right to Manage.


Read More

why is the case of Lurcott vs wakely deal with the concept of vicarious liability in the context of employer-employee relationships?

The case of Lurcott v Wakely [1911] is a significant decision in UK caselaw that deals with the concept of vicarious liability in the context of employer-employee relationships.The case involved Mr. Wakely, a farmer, who employed Mr. Hirons to carry out work on his f...


Read More

How can a self-service portal help property managers?

A self-service portal provides the convenience of 24/7 accessibility to resident services and improves customer satisfaction. Happy customers are sure to recommend the property to others through positive reviews.


Read More

Should a Management Company hold service charges and reserve funds in the same account?

The landlord or management company should hold reserve funds in a separate account, attracting a better interest rate.


Read More

how does The case of Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and others v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC) deals with the interpretation and enforcement of service charges in leasehold properties?

The case of Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and others v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC) is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of service charges in leasehold properties.In this case, Harry Johnson, June Johnson, and other l...


Read More

When did the Government end the four-year freeze on Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates?

The freeze on LHA rates was lifted on January 31, 2024 when the new rates for 2024-25 were officially announced. Thr purpose being to address the growing disparity between rental costs and housing benefits.


Read More

What exactly is a party wall?

t forms part of a building and stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners orIt separates buildings and it either stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners.


Read More

Dispute relation to the reasonableness of service charges and the obligations of a landlord left in the lease.

Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another [2019] UKUT 236 (LC)SummaryBackground Facts Plantation Wharf Management Co Ltd v Jackson and Another [2019] UKUT 236 (LC) is a case of a dispute relation to the reasonableness of service charges and the obligat...


Read More

What is commonhold? Commonhold for residential blocks of flats explained

Commonhold refers to a type of property ownership that was introduced by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, but not made mandatory. It provides an alternative to leasehold ownership, which is the traditional form of property ownership for residential flats...


Read More

1. What are the criteria for the creation of RTM?

The required minimum number of qualifying tenants must be equal to at least half of the total number of flats in the building. The RTM act allows a landlord to become a member because of their interest in the property. A landlord cannot become a director of the RTM ...


Read More

Can the lease be terminated if the freeholder is absent?

The termination of a lease due to the absence of a freeholder is a complex legal matter that depends on various factors, including the specific terms of the lease agreement and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Generally, the absence of a...


Read More

I am the Company Secretary of the company which owns the freehold of Hillside, a building which comprises 7 flats. All 7 lessees are shareholders in the company. The company is a member of the FPRA. I am the leaseholder of flat 2. We are about to appoint a contractor to carry out the external decoration of the building which is a three story Victorian house. We are unclear whether the Directors have any other responsibilities when appointing a contractor. We have read, for example, about the HSEs CDM regulations. To what extent do they apply in our case? Do you know of any guidelines or can you help us to decide what we need to do to ensure that we comply with them?

The answer on CDM is The CDM Regulations deal with the management of health and safety and they place duties on clients, planning supervisors, designers and contractors to plan, coordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of the construction project...


Read More

What happens if our absent freeholder subsequently turns up and claims ownership of the building?

If an absent freeholder suddenly reappears and claims ownership of a building after a vesting order or any other action has been taken, the situation can become legally complex. Here's a general overview of what might happen in such a scenario:- Legal challenge: T...


Read More

What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?

A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.


Read More

What is PBSA?

PBSA refers to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation designed and built for university or college students. PBSA usually includes various types of accommodation, such as shared apartments, en-suite rooms, studios, and cluster flats.


Read More

What is Build to Rent (BTR)?

· Build to Rent (BTR) is a lifestyle phrase for purpose-built long-term rental property given by professional landlords in the United Kingdom, BTR is the UK equivalent of their multi-family sector“With nearly 1.74 million homeowners expected to reside in BTR ...


Read More

Who is responsible for the cost of remedial works?

While the inspection cost is a service charge, the responsibility and cost for remedial works lie with the apartment's owner.


Read More

What is an annual general meeting?

An annual general meeting AGM is a meeting that is required by the Companies Acts to present the accounts to the shareholders of the business, approve accounts, elect/re-elect directors, appoint and set the remuneration of the auditors. An AGM must be held within 15 ...


Read More

How does the The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill impact new leasehold properties?

The Bill prohibits the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales while exempting new leaseholds on flats.


Read More