In this article, JB Leitch look at some of the key developments around building safety and their implications.

Rising construction costs, economic uncertainty and unexpected issues can put pressure on even the most carefully planned budgets.

In the event of a fire, fire doors help protect escape routes and support fire compartmentation slowing the spread of fire.

In property management, delivering reliable heating and hot water is a fundamental part of what makes a building liveable.

The Supreme Court recently confirmed the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Defective Premises Act 1972.

These decisions also clarify why a retrospective reach of certain provisions in the BSA is vital in fulfilling a core objective of the BSA.

For those managing blocks of flats, understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities is not just about compliance, it is about protecting lives.

Understanding these responsibilities is about more than just “good practice” – it is essential for the smooth running of your building.

Among the most common of these are disputes over service charges, particularly when it comes to communal areas.

The parties are entitled to clear explanations and thorough rationale as to why and how sums have been calculated.

Plenty of Leasehold reform activity in Westminster agenda but progress on management reform remains stubbornly slow

Fire safety signs are a legal requirement in most residential buildings, but they can be overlooked.

The original Renters (Reform) Bill was intended to create a fairer, more secure, and higher quality private rented sector.

JB Leitch has recently been successful in a case concerning the jurisdiction of the First-tier Tribunal in appointing Managers.

JB Leitch look at a recent High Court case which addressed whether a developer’s defective works amounted to a building safety risk.

Buying a listed property can bring with it unique challenges and responsibilities that you must be aware of.

JB Leitch look at recent case law to examine the issues surrounding internal space.

Under UK law, there are specific legal obligations to ensure that communal areas are safe, accessible and properly insured.

If you own a leasehold property, you are usually responsible for maintaining the internal parts of your flat.

The publication of BS EN 81-76, which focuses on the evacuation of persons with disabilities using lifts, has been delayed.

The Building Safety Act overview and the requirements of your Building Assessment Certificate application.

There have been notable decisions regarding what can be considered fatal to a claim for rights to manage.

The Government remains committed to dismantling what it terms “the feudal leasehold system” and making commonhold a viable alternative.

Charley Noakes from Verto HR, provides an update on the 2025 employment law changes. 

As we start a brand-new year, compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 remains a pressing concern for Principal Accountable Persons and their managing agents.

An depth look at how the Act affects leaseholders, outlining key rights and responsibilities, the impact on property values and compliance timelines.

Mixed-use buildings combine residential and commercial spaces, making their needs and challenges unique.

For managing agents, the new laws have altered their licensing requirements, the way they charge and how they handle complaints from leaseholders.

Commentary from Mark Chick, director of ALEP (Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners) and a Partner at Bishop & Sewell LLP.

All residential buildings over 11m in England already have a pathway to fix unsafe cladding which also protects residents from these costs.

As we look back at 2024, it has proven to be another eventful year for the property management sector.

We now have more of an idea of the timelines for the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act (‘LFRA’).

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, which became law on 24 May 2024, is a long-awaited piece of legislation designed to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to extend their lease or purchase the freehold of their building.

Whether the failure to serve a claim notice to all landlords involved necessarily invalidates an RTM claim…

Mark Chick, Senior Partner and Joint Head of Landlord & Tenant at Bishop & Sewell considers the increase in disposals.

If leaseholders and freeholders choose to neglect their maintenance or cleaning responsibilities then serious legal consequences may follow.

Understanding the implications of service charges, maintenance contracts, and QLTAs is critical for landlords to avoid legal disputes, meet their obligations under lease agreements, and maintain positive relationships with leaseholders.

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act question and answer By Mark Chick Director of ALEP, Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners.

Major works can come with frustrations for landlords, managing agents and leaseholders. In the worst cases, major works are unpredictable.

As leaseholders, you need the assurance that major works are necessary, being carried out by suitable professionals, and for a fair price.

Leasehold reform has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. One notable area of discussion has been the potential impact of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on service charges for leaseholders in the UK.

Defects in design, faulty installation or the use of inappropriate or inadequate materials when building a property can lead to significant problems later on.

The building safety team at JB Leitch provide an overview of the most notable areas property management professionals should be aware of.

As landlords across England brace themselves for the implementation of the Renters Reform Bill, LRG has unveiled findings from a recent landlord survey.

Specialist property solicitors JB Leitch has successfully defended an application made in the First-tier Tribunal by leaseholders.

Mark Chick, Bishop & Sewell’s Senior Partner, considers the details behind the headlines – and what might be next.

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, managers of high-rise residential buildings should be aware of their legal obligations.

How ground rent changes have come about, what it means for prospective leaseholders, and why current leaseholders can hold out hope.

To bring you up to date, we’ll be outlining the changes that have been made in the leasehold sector from 2017 to now.

On 27 February 2024, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill passed through its Report Stage and its Third Reading in the House of Commons.

In this short article, the team at specialist JB Leitch solicitors highlight some of the most recent and significant updates.

Source: Bishop & Sewell The Supreme Court of The United Kingdom is to hear the case of A1 Properties (Sunderland) Ltd v Tudor Studios RTM Company Ltd on 8 February 2024 (“the Appeal”). The Appeal is only the second case where The…

There has been a fair amount of legislative change proposed recently that will be of relevance to leaseholders and freeholders!

This article takes a brief look at the parliamentary road ahead for the Bill and suggests a few key points for clients to consider.

There have been numerous reforms, and a great deal of talk about future changes, since the Government announced that it was going to tackle the question of reforming leasehold ownership.

On Tuesday 11 December 2023, the Leasehold and Freehold Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons.

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill – Analysis and Reaction From The Property Institute.

Millions of homeowners in England and Wales will be given greater rights, powers, and protections over their homes as part of the most significant reforms to the leasehold system for a generation under the new Bill. 

The announcement of a Leasehold Bill could bring good news for property valuers, conveyancers and the 4.9 million homeowners in England and Wales under with leases – or it could fuel confusion, cost and controversy.

The proposal for a Leasehold and Freehold Bill in the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023 demonstrates an ongoing and determined commitment by the government to reform of the residential leasehold sector – and for leaseholders and freeholders, there are immediate questions and considerations.

Leasehold reform and Renters’ Rights are at the heart of the King’s Speech today- comments from Irwin Mitchell.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (“the Bill”) is making its way through the final stages of the legislative process.

Exploring the circumstances under which an application for dispensation from consultation under Section 20 of the LTA 1985 can be considered suitable.

This article will explore the key duties and obligations that new freeholders must be aware of under the Building Safety Act 2022.

JB Leitch were successful in a preliminary decision concerning a question which arises following the coming into force of new provisions in the Building Safety Act 2022.

We are committed to better protecting and empowering leaseholders by giving them more information on the things for which their charges pay.

4site: Register Your Tall Buildings With The Health And Safety Executive As Part Of The Building Safety Act 2022.

How the Act affects existing and new leaseholders, and what to expect in terms of further legislation updates in the months to come.

Recently there has been much discussion around changes to the leasehold sector, and whether they spell the end of leasehold altogether.

2023 is a tricky but hopeful year for leaseholders. What does lease extension entail and how Michael Gove’s proposals may affect the sector.

Here we’ll be detailing the new responsibilities as well as providing a reminder of the other vital safety measures that should be in place to ensure the wellbeing of your residents and the security of their investments when it comes to fire safety.

Katie Orr summarises the first decision, including the key elements and implications of the new legislation.

We have summarised the announcements, many of which The Property Institute (TPI) has been forward-signalling and keeping its members updated on in recent months.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities made an announcement earlier today on the progress of the negotiations with industry regarding the funding of building safety repairs, and on actions being taken to provide relief from high building insurance premiums.

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) has responded to comments made by Michael Gove.

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act has brought to the fore the implications for landlords under the new legislation.

Since its introduction by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, many leaseholders have acquired the right to manage their block.

Camilla Waszek of JB Leitch, discusses the highly anticipated decision on the extent and parameters of RTM estate management.

Legal Director Phil Parkinson and Trainee Solicitor Lauren Walker of JB Leitch, provide comment on the topic of legal cost recovery.

In this edition of the Flat Living Magazine, the team at Bishop and Sewell take a look back at 2021.

Sometimes the commute can be a welcome break from having tasks to do – no reason to feel guilty about not cleaning the flat!

The short-term lettings market is big business and far from being the reserve of large portfolio property investors.

If a landlord wanted to carry out major works to a block that would cost any one leaseholder over £250, all leaseholders must be consulted.

On 24 May 2021 the Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in the case of Keith Vernon Gell v 32 St John’s Road (Eastbourne) Management Co.

Lee Stafford, Partner with the Dispute Resolution department at Bishop & Sewell, talks us through this important case.

Charles Jamieson of Bishop & Sewell, discusses the complex nature of regaining possession of a property during the pandemic.

JB Leitch considers the Defective Premises Act (DPA) 1972 to seek a remedy in cases relating to defects and suitably safe habitation.

Phil Parkinson, Legal Director at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch, considers the complexities of VAT for on-site staff.

Charles Jamieson from Bishop & Sewell discusses the part prejudice may have to play in Tribunal decision making.

Katie Edwards from JB Leitch, looks at recent case law to provide advice and clarification on the process of consultation.

Katie Edwards and Phil Parkinson of JB Leitch, provide a cautionary tale for landlords on the need to provide communication with insurers.

JB Leitch’s Katie Edwards looks at how ongoing & recent case law will impact property management in 2020.

Laura Severn of LMP Law provides us with a case study about ensuring that service charges are reasonably incurred.

Ana Kandri, Legal Adviser at LEASE offers advice based on recent some of the cases around right to manage issues.

Summer 2019 has seen several court decisions being made with relation to disputes regarding residential properties.

Katie Edwards, Associate at JB Leitch advises on the management of estates and outdoor common areas where RTM companies are involved.

Is there a need to establish disrepair from the tribunal to appoint a manager under Section 24 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1987?

Laura Severn, Director at LMP Law reflects on the recent ruling in the case of Fearn & Ors v The Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery.

2018 has seen an influx of articles offering differing opinion on various aspects of the leasehold industry.

Under strict interpretation of lease terms, many leaseholders are found to be responsible for the costs (payable via their service charges).