Home: Homeowners: Your Rights & Responsibilities
Your Rights & Responsibilities
As a purchaser of a leasehold property it is in your own interest to understand the legal framework of leasehold ownership. This section is an introduction but it is not a substitute for reading your lease or for obtaining legal advice.
Your rights as a leaseholder
Your rights are explained in your lease. They will vary slightly between different developments but first and foremost you have the right of peaceful occupation of your property for the term of the lease. In addition you have the right to access to common parts of the building and grounds. You have the right to sell your property, although some developments have restrictions on the amount you can ask and who you can sell to. If you are in doubt please contact leaseholders@colnehousing.co.uk.
You also have the right to be consulted about certain decisions the Society makes, particularly about repairs and maintenance. See Our Responsibilities as a Landlord.
Your Responsibilities as a Leaseholder
As a leaseholder you have a responsibility to pay your share of the costs associated with maintaining your property and common parts. This is usually through payment of the service charge. As with any other type of property ownership you have a responsibility to act with consideration towards your neighbours. We will try to help if a neighbour causes a nuisance to you. You are responsible for the decoration inside your property. More details and other responsibilities will be listed in your lease.
Failure to fulfil your responsibilities as a leaseholder could result in legal action being taken again you by Colne Housing Society.
Our Rights as a Landlord
We have the right to make decisions about how we manage your development, including the repair and maintenance of it. We also have the right to charge you for the cost of managing your development, including maintenance and repairs. The Society has the right of entry to your property in certain circumstances. These include carrying out emergency repairs that threaten another property; for example, if a leak in your property was flooding another. Or if we fear for your health and safety, the Leasehold Scheme Officer or Warden may enter.
Our Responsibilities as a Landlord
Colne Housing Society must keep your property and the common parts in good repair and in a reasonable state of decoration. The exact responsibilities will vary between different developments and will be listed in your lease. We also have a responsibility to collect the service charge and other fees due to us.
We also have a responsibility to consult with you about repairs and maintenance to your development.
These rights and responsibilities are set in law and must be upheld by all leaseholders and all landlords. The Society can provide information upon request.
