Written question asked by David Crausby (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 July 2011. It was answered by Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 12 July 2011 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Leasehold: Fees and Charges

Question: (2) what plans he has to review the law relating to leasehold tenure.

Answer: The Government recognise that where problems arise over leaseholders' homes—especially about the actions of managing agents—these can cause real inconvenience and, in some cases, lead to significant distress. The law therefore provides leaseholders with a wide range of rights in order to avoid these disputes or, where they arise, to enable them to be resolved. These include the right to ask for service charge information and to see supporting documentation.The Government also recognise the need to strike the right balance of rights and responsibilities between landlords and leaseholders, and expect landlords and managing agents to obey the law and act in a socially-responsible manner. As with all regulation, state intervention should be proportionate.Some leaseholders may find it stressful and burdensome to take a case against their landlord to a court, or even to a less formal leasehold valuation tribunal. It may be that the current processes could work more effectively or leaseholders could receive more help in exercising their rights.While the Government currently have no plans for a wide ranging review of leasehold law, they will keep a close watching brief and will not rule out making other changes.

Secondary information