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Leasehold ownership is simply a long tenancy, the right to occupation and use of the flat for along period - the 'term' of the lease. (for example the lease of a shop with a flat above the premises).

The ownership of the flat usually relates to everything within the four walls, including floorboards, and plaster to walls or ceilings, but does not usually include the external or structural walls. The structure of the building and the land it stands on belongs to the landlord.

What is a lease?

A lease is a private contract between the leaseholder and the landlord. The lease sets out the contractual obligations of the two parties, what the leaseholder has contracted to do and what the landlord is bound to do.

Repairs and maintenance obligations

The landlord is responsible for:

Communal areas

• Communal staircase or corridors
• Lifts
• Communal gardens and pathways

Structural and exterior repairs

• Foundations to the building
• External walls
• Roof
• Window frames
• External doors and frames
• Service pipes and ducts

The leaseholder will contribute a share of the costs incurred for this work.

The Leaseholder is responsible for:

• The floor surface including floorboards within the dwelling
• Wall plaster and plasterboards
• Ceiling plaster and plasterboards
• Glass to windows within the dwelling
• Internal non structural walls
• Plumbing and wiring within the dwelling