Oliver-James Topping

Over the weekend, reports began emerging that the Conservative manifesto pledge to reduce ground rent to zero for existing leases was quietly being dropped. In 2019, the Conservatives campaigned on: “restricting ground rents to a…

Leases are like a contract between a Landlord and a Leaseholder, sometimes a Management Company will also be involved. If all the parties to the Lease agree, the terms of the Lease can be changed…

The statutory lease extension process for flats is going through a period of reform. In order to understand the reform, it is important to understand what the current process is. What is a lease? Leases…

The Right to Manage (the “RTM”), is a legal right that allows Leaseholders to take over management of their building. Under the relevant act, Leaseholders can acquire management functions which are defined as: “functions with…

We have previously commented upon the Renters Reform Bill (the “Bill”) here and here. However, since passing the Committee Stage on 28th November 2023, there is still no set date for the Third Reading of…

When granting an assured shorthold tenancy (an “AST”), landlords often seek assistance from a professional letting agent. However, instances arise where letting agents mistakenly identify themselves as the landlord in the AST. Such an error…

Last month, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities initiated a six-week consultation on proposals aimed at capping ground rent in existing leases. This move is distinct from The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act…

Last week marked the King’s first opening of Parliament. In his speech he re-confirmed the Government’s commitment to the Renters Reform Bill. The Renters Reform Bill was first announced in the Queens Speech in 2019….

Last week marked the King’s first opening of Parliament. In his speech he set out the proposed contents of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is part of a…

“Guaranteed Rent” or “Rent to Rent” agreements are a seemingly attractive offer: all of the money of letting out to tenants, but none of the hassle, risk, or uncertainty. The way that most of these…