If you are based in a flat, terms like these regularly get tossed around like ‘freeholder’, ‘leasehold’, and the question of what managing agents do. Knowing who has responsibility for what can prevent a huge headache when repairs, service charges or common issues arise.
The freeholder (building owner)
With a share of freehold, the freeholder owns both building and land. Indeed, they are the last line of defence to ensure that all building upkeep and insurance needs, as well as any legal obligations, are met. In reality, the freeholder might do this themselves or could appoint an agent to manage it on their behalf.
The leaseholder (flat owner)
A leaseholder is someone who holds the right to live in their flat for several years (the term) per the terms set out in the purchase contract. Leaseholders usually pay:
Maintenance and shared service charges
Ground rent (if the lease shows it)
Leaseholders are also obliged to abide by the lease rules, and these can be on topics such as noise, pets, and flooring, subletting or alterations.
The managing agent (day-to-day manager)
A block management company, which is another term for a managing agent, gets appointed by the freeholder or a residents’ management committee to take care of day-to-day tasks at the building. For Grounds Maintenance Gloucester, visit jemaintenance.co.uk/services/grounds-maintenance-near-me/gloucester/ Typical duties include:
Arranging repairs and maintenance of common areas
Getting quotes and instructing contractors
Service charge collection and budget management
Arranging building insurance
Managing inspection checks (e.g., fire safety actions)
Leaseholder communication and issue management.
Who do you contact?
In your flat, it should generally be the responsibility of the leaseholder. If it is a communal area (roof, stairwell and external walls, etc.) then it would generally be dealt with through the managing agent, who will pay for works from service charge funds.
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