NTSEAT issues new guidance on redress in leasehold disputes

The National Trading Standards Estate Agency team has issued new guidance for those seeking redress over leasehold disputes. 

This guidance contains a list of key definitions commonly found when purchasing a leasehold property. 

The guidance also explains what leasehold is and how it works, as well as giving examples of common issues.  

NTSEAT says it is important that prospective buyers are equipped with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision, including where to turn should they need to make a complaint.

Some 1.4m houses are owned in England through a leasehold, including thousands of new builds, yet NTSEAT says many buyers do not understand what that means for them. 

The trading standards team says charges levied by the management company running a building or estate can escalate quickly, with some ground rents doubling every five or 10 years. 

Many leaseholders are expected to pay for making alterations to the property, such as adding a conservatory or replacing the bathroom.

“This government is determined to reform the leasehold sector to better support homeowners, including improving support available to existing leaseholders” explains housing minister Heather Wheeler.

“That’s why we have asked NTSEAT to produce this new guidance, which will help ensure that people understand their rights and responsibilities as leasehold property owners, including how to make a complaint if something goes wrong.”