What does your lease say?

Your lease states the purchase price of the lease, and shows the extent of the flat on a plan (usually called “the demised premises”) and shows any other area covered by the lease (usually called “the estate”).

Your lease will also set out how much ground rent you will pay, the date each year on which this will be due, and any other charges that you will pay during the period of the lease.

The document sets out our obligations and responsibilities to you. When you sign the lease you agree to:

• Pay the annual ground rent when it is due
• Pay the Council Tax, water rates and other charges relating to the flat or maisonette
• Pay a fair share of our running costs for the management, repair, maintenance and insurance of the building and communal areas (called a service charge)
• Keep the inside in good condition, including walls, pipes, cables, fixtures and fittings
• Get written permission from us before carrying out any alterations to the structure of the flat or maisonette or removing any fixtures
• Inform us within one month of the details of any mortgage or loan you take out against the flat or maisonette (this will normally be done via your solicitor and there is an administration fee payable).
• You must also tell us immediately if you sub let to another person or if there is any change in the ownership of the lease. If you sublet this can alter your insurance premium.
• Keep any gardens clean and tidy and get written permission from us before putting up any sheds or fences
• Keep to any rules or regulations set by us.

When we sign the lease we agree to:

• Give you the right to hold and enjoy the property without interruption from us provided you pay the necessary charges and carry out your obligations
• Insure the building against loss or damage and make good any loss or damage to the building as soon as possible. (This insurance does not include the contents of your home, which you should arrange yourself)
• Keep the building structure in good repair and also communal gas and water pipes, drains, electric cables and wire, passages, stairs, paths and communal areas
• Keep communal passages and stairs lit, and maintain facilities and services at a reasonable level
• Decorate the exterior and communal areas as often as necessary to a standard similar to that at the time of purchase of the lease.