This House of Commons Library briefing paper outlines the measures taken in England to support rough sleepers, and those at risk of rough sleeping, during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. It discusses the impact of these measures and stakeholder comment.
Documents to download
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Leasehold and Commonhold Reform (187 KB, PDF)
Leasehold ownership
In England and Wales most flats are owned on a long leasehold basis (i.e. with a term in excess of 21 years when first granted). It is also possible to own a house on a long lease. Essentially, long leaseholders buy a right to live in their property for a period of time. In blocks of flats, the management and maintenance is usually retained by the freeholder. The cost of carrying out this work is recoverable from long leaseholders in the form of a service charge, which is provided for in the lease. This tenure generates a good deal of dissatisfaction from residents concerning matters such as the level of service charges and the standard of services provided. Despite a good deal of legislative activity in this area, dissatisfaction remains.
Commonhold
Part 1 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 introduced the possibility of an alternative form of ownership in blocks of flats. However, it has failed to take-off and this has led to calls for a review of the legislation and action to make commonhold tenure compulsory in certain circumstances.
Documents to download
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Leasehold and Commonhold Reform (187 KB, PDF)
Related posts
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This briefing paper explains measures taken by the Government during the coronavirus outbreak to assist households in the rented sector to retain their homes. The paper covers the introduction of extended notice periods and the end of the ban on evictions in England and Wales from 20 September 2020.
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Guidance on when moving house is permitted during the Coronavirus crisis.
