Your Rights as a Leaseholder (Overview)
This is a brief overview of leaseholder rights following the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. You can challenge unreasonable service charges at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and your landlord must consult you before carrying out qualifying works above a set cost threshold. Since January 2025, the 2024 Act abolished the previous 2-year ownership qualifying period, so you can start a claim for a lease extension or to buy your freehold immediately after buying your home, rather than waiting. Right to Manage was also widened from March 2025: buildings with mixed residential and commercial use can now qualify for RTM where non-residential space is up to 50% of the building (previously 25%), giving more leaseholders in mixed-use blocks the ability to take over management without proving landlord fault. For a comprehensive guide, see the full Leaseholder Rights guide. Jurisdiction: England & Wales.
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Your Rights
Right to Challenge Service Charges
You have the right to challenge unreasonable service charges at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Service charges must be reasonable and the work or services must be of a reasonable standard. The landlord must consult you before carrying out qualifying works costing more than £250 per leaseholder (s.20 consultation).
Right to a Lease Extension
You have the right to a 90-year extension (on top of your remaining term) at a peppercorn ground rent, in exchange for a premium, with no minimum period of ownership required — the previous 2-year qualifying period was abolished with effect from 31 January 2025. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
Right to Manage (RTM)
Leaseholders of flats can collectively take over the management of their building without having to prove fault on the part of the landlord. At least two-thirds of the flats must be held by qualifying tenants.
Common Myths
Leaseholders have no say in how the building is managed
Leaseholders have extensive rights including the right to manage (RTM), the right to be consulted on major works, and the right to challenge unreasonable service charges at tribunal.
What To Do
Check Your Lease
Read your lease carefully to understand the remaining term and service charge provisions. If your lease has fewer than 80 years remaining, seek specialist advice urgently as extension costs rise significantly below that threshold.
Challenge Unreasonable Charges
If you believe service charges are unreasonable, first raise it with the landlord or managing agent. If unresolved, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Key Legislation
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
- Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002
- Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022
Useful Contacts
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have the right to extend my lease?
- You have the right to a 90-year extension on top of your remaining term, with no minimum period of ownership required — the previous 2-year qualifying period was abolished with effect from 31 January 2025. This extension comes with a peppercorn ground rent in exchange for a premium. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse this request, which is governed by the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
- Can leaseholders take over the management of their building?
- Yes, leaseholders of flats can collectively take over the management of their building through the Right to Manage (RTM) process. You do not need to prove the landlord has been at fault. However, at least two-thirds of the flats must be held by qualifying tenants for this right to apply.
- What should I do if my lease has fewer than 80 years left?
- You should read your lease carefully to understand the remaining term and service charge provisions. If your lease has fewer than 80 years remaining, the text advises seeking specialist advice urgently. This is because extension costs rise significantly when the remaining term falls below that threshold.
- Where can I get free advice or resolve a dispute about my lease?
- The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) provides free, government-funded advice for leaseholders. You can contact them on 020 7832 2500. For disputes regarding residential property, including service charges and lease extensions, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the relevant body that resolves these issues.