Rights and responsibilities

Leaseholders own a long term tenancy for a fixed period, usually 99 or 125 years. Leasehold flats are part of a larger building which share communal elements of the structure, e.g. roof, stairways and halls, these parts of the building are maintained by the freeholder, mhs homes.

The lease details the legal agreement between mhs homes (the freeholder) and you (the leaseholder). Both parties have rights and responsibilities in maintaining the property and the building it stands within.

Click on the link to see an example of a lease (PDF 44.5KB)

What are my rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder?

You are responsible for maintaining everything inside your property including:

  • floorboards
  • ceiling boards
  • plaster and tiling (walls and floors)
  • gas, electricity, water and central heating (including internal pipes and cabling)
  • window glass & fittings
  • front doors- please click on the following link for information on updating your front door to a fire rated door. Fire doors information (PDF 120KB)
  • fixtures and fittings inside the property e.g. kitchens and bathrooms
  • any internal decoration

You are also responsible for:

  • Paying the ground rent and service charges when they are due.
  • Paying all charges relating to the property such as Council Tax, Ground Rent and Water Rates.
  • Getting our written permission before carrying out any major building alterations (e.g. refitting a kitchen)
  • Not causing a nuisance to neighbours. Residents have the right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
  • Keeping the parts of the property that you are responsible for in good condition.
  • Advising us in writing if you sell or sublet your home and pay the necessary fee.
  • Providing us with an away address if you decide to sub-let.
  • Reporting any damage to the building to mhs homes on 01634 565333.

For more information about your rights and responsibilities please refer to your lease, the leaseholders handbook (PDF 1.33MB) or contact us on 01634 565333 or homeowners@mhs.org.uk.

What are the freeholder (mhs homes) responsibilities?

  • Arranging an insurance policy for your building
  • Consulting you about any works to the building that will cost more than £250 for your share
  • Consulting you about any contract that will last for more than 12 months or cost you more than £100 a year
  • Producing audited service charge accounts at the end of the financial year
  • Keeping the structure, common parts and outside of the property in good repair