Leaseholder Responsibilities in Block Management
Understanding Your Role as a Leaseholder
Owning a leasehold flat brings both rights and responsibilities. While you may think of yourself as the “owner” of your property, in reality what you own is a lease — a long-term right to occupy the property. The building itself remains under the ownership of the freeholder (or landlord), who in turn has their own set of obligations.
Every lease is slightly different, which means responsibilities can vary from block to block, and even between flats in the same building. However, there are some common principles that apply to most leaseholders.
Key Responsibilities of Leaseholders
As a leaseholder, you will normally be required to:
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Pay service charges and ground rent – contributing towards the upkeep, maintenance, insurance, and management of the building.
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Contribute to major works – such as roof renewals, external redecorations, or lift replacements, as set out in the lease.
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Follow the terms of your lease – covering matters such as noise, alterations, subletting, or use of communal areas.
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Maintain your own flat – leaseholders are typically responsible for the interior of their property (plaster, flooring, fixtures, fittings, etc).
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Allow access when required – for essential repairs, inspections, or safety checks affecting the building.
Failure to meet these obligations can put you in breach of your lease, which may lead to legal action or additional costs.
Rights of Leaseholders
Alongside responsibilities, leaseholders also have important rights, including:
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Annual service charge accounts – you are entitled to a summary of expenditure each year.
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Access to financial records – you can inspect receipts and invoices relating to service charge expenditure.
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Budget transparency – you should receive details of proposed service charge budgets before they take effect.
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Dispute resolution – you have the right to challenge charges and management decisions at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
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Lease extension – most leaseholders have a statutory right to extend their lease under the Landlord & Tenant Acts.
Leasehold in Context
The UK leasehold system is unusual compared to most other countries, and is sometimes described as a “legal fiction.” While leaseholders buy the right to live in a property for a set period of time, ultimate ownership remains with the freeholder. This is why ongoing contributions to maintenance and management are necessary — to preserve the building for everyone who lives there.
How We Support Leaseholders
At Hastings Property Management, we aim to make leasehold responsibilities as clear and straightforward as possible. Through our online client portal, leaseholders can view budgets, accounts, and updates at any time, ensuring transparency and reducing misunderstandings.
Our role is to:
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Communicate clearly with leaseholders about their obligations.
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Ensure service charges and works are managed fairly and transparently.
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Provide reassurance that funds are properly safeguarded and spent wisely.
Need Guidance?
If you’re unsure about your responsibilities as a leaseholder, or want clearer, more transparent management for your block in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, or across East Sussex, contact us today.