Brent Council owns the freehold of most of its properties, but the management of these properties has been passed to Brent Housing Partnership (BHP).
We look after the properties of council tenants who rent their homes, and also offer services to residents who have bought their lease.
How we manage leaseholds
We work out service charges, and send out invoices, every year.
We can answer any questions you might have about selling or remortgaging your home.
We can help with your requests to carry out improvements and alterations.
We can advise leaseholders about buying the freehold of the block.
We maintain records for leasehold properties that are sublet to other tenants.
We provide official consultation for major work and prepare legal notices (section-20 notices).
We work out and prepare invoices for major work.
We provide general advice on all leasehold matters.
Legal framework
Some of the main laws that affect leaseholders are the following.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and 1987 includes:
- a definition of service charges;
- leaseholders' rights to be consulted on repairs over a set
limit; and - how residents' associations are formally recognised.
The Housing Act 1985 and 1996 covers:
- the right to buy and its processes;
- limiting leaseholders' liability for the first five years; and
- the role of the leasehold valuation tribunal.
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 covers:
- the major work consultation;
- new requirement to consult people about contracts lasting more than 12 months;
- rules for buying freehold and extending the leases; and
- more powers given to leasehold valuation tribunals.
The lease
Before you bought your property, your solicitor should have explained your lease to you to help you understand your responsibilities and the council's responsibilities.
Your lease is a legal document that governs the relationship between you and the landlord, setting out their and your rights and responsibilities. The lease sets out how a property should be managed and maintained. The conditions of the lease can be enforced by law, and both sides must keep to them.
Any variations (changes) to your lease may be possible if both sides agree. However, you will need to get independent legal advice before you ask for your lease to be altered.