Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Leaseholders
Own a flat or maisonette through Right to Buy? Read about your rights and responsibilities, what the council handles, and how to manage things like repairs and service charges.
Whether you're a current leaseholder or considering purchasing a property through the Right to Buy scheme, this section is your go-to resource for understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the services available to you as a leaseholder with Norwich City Council.
What is a leasehold?
When you buy a flat or maisonette from Norwich City Council, you acquire a leasehold interest - meaning you own the property for the length of the lease, while the council retains the freehold interest, owning the land and building structure.
Your responsibilities
As a leaseholder, you are typically responsible for:
- repairs and maintenance inside your home
- keeping your contact details up to date
- paying service charges - your share of costs for building maintenance, repairs, improvements, and communal services.
Council’s responsibilities
Norwich City Council, as your landlord, is responsible for:
- maintaining the structure, exterior, and shared areas of the building
- providing routine services like lighting in stairwells and entranceways
Managing insurance cover for the building.
Key services and support
This section provides detailed guidance on:
- understanding your lease
- managing repairs and improvements
- navigating service charges
- buying or selling your leasehold property
- accessing the Leaseholders’ Handbook for comprehensive information.
If you can't find what you need, you can contact the Home Ownership Team at homeownership@norwich.gov.uk.
