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I was a practising lawyer for nearly 40 years specialising almost exclusively in Leases (both residential and commercial) – In that time I have acted for Leaseholders, Landlords and Management Companies; drafted Leases and associated documentation; approved and amended them and acted for Clients in relation to the sale and purchases of Leasehold property. I have also made successful applications to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal on behalf of Leaseholders in relation to unreasonable Service Charges. 

 

In addition, I have worked for and provided advice to Property Managers and Managing Agents in relation to the management of Leasehold properties and the interpretation of Lease provisions and have seen wide-ranging differences in their attempts to interpret Lease provisions, particularly in relation to Service Charges.

 

All that experience has given me a unique insight into Leasehold Law (from both sides of the fence) including how it works in practice and the day-to-day interpretation and operation of it.

 

Whilst I cannot explain why, I love working with Leases, have a real passion for them, and have been very lucky to have been able to spend my career working with something I really enjoy. It seems only right for me to now pass on to Leaseholders what I have learned, and enable them to benefit from my knowledge and experience.

 

There is a widespread feeling that, in many cases, Leaseholders of Flats are short-changed, unfairly treated and need better protection. The first line of defence for the Leaseholder is to know exactly what your own Lease says and what rights you currently have available to address matters which concern you. Don’t assume that your Landlord or Management Company will automatically follow what the Lease says. Doing nothing is the enemy of the Leaseholder.

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The worm is turning!

 

For years, Leaseholders of Flats have suffered under current Landlord and Tenant legislation and practices – owning a Lease has been an expensive exercise for many (over which they have had little control), when they had no idea of the potential issues they were facing when they bought their Flat

 

The Government have now recognised this and have committed to a substantial review and reform of such legislation (starting with zero Ground Rents for new Leases and moving on to giving Leaseholders the right to extend their Lease up to 990 years)

 

Lenders have also recognised this by refusing to lend on Leases having unfair rent review clauses

 

These two issues are just the tip of the iceberg

 

Now is the time for Leaseholders to join the growing momentum to force changes which will benefit them as a Leaseholder

 

Pending the legislation being enacted, Leaseholders can take action now to address issues which are affecting them

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The Book associated with this web site, in plain English, provides the Leaseholder with a handbook, guiding them through the terms of a Lease and explaining what rights they already have to protect them and how to use them to their advantage, as well as making them aware of proposed changes 

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This web site is intended to be an online operation only and is designed to enhance what is written in the Book and provide additional information and assistance, as well as keep Leaseholders up to date with changes as they occur

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Obtaining formal legal advice is extremely expensive, but the Book and this web site give Leaseholders the information that they need at a fraction of the cost

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