Your leasehold explained

This page explains what it means to be a leaseholder with Norwich City Council, including your rights, responsibilities, and what to expect if you want to extend your lease.

What is a lease?

A lease is a legal agreement between you and Norwich City Council. When you buy a flat or maisonette from us, you become a leaseholder—you own the property for a set period. The council remains the freeholder, meaning we own the land the building is on. You’ll pay a small annual ground rent for this.

Your rights and responsibilities

Our Leaseholders' Handbook explains what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. Here's a quick overview:

What you must do as a leaseholder

  • pay your share of the council’s costs for maintaining the building and estate
  • pay ground rent and other charges on time
  • keep your home in good condition
  • let us know if you sell, re-mortgage, or transfer your home
  • use your home only as a private residence
  • repay any Right to Buy discount if required
  • allow council staff or contractors access when needed (we’ll give notice)
  • Tell us if your home will be empty for more than 30 days.

What you cannot do

  • make changes to your home without written permission
  • use your home for business (e.g. Airbnb or holiday lets)
  • sub-let without informing us first
  • cause nuisance or damage to the building or communal areas
  • keep pets in tower blocks (unless they’re small and contained, like fish or birds).

What the council must do

  • maintain the structure of the building
  • insure the building (not your contents)
  • provide an annual breakdown of service charges.

Extending your lease

If your lease is getting shorter, you may want to extend it. This can be expensive, so it’s best to get legal and valuation advice early.

How it works

  • you can extend your lease by 90 years if you meet certain conditions
  • you must own a long lease (over 21 years) and not be a business tenant
  • the process starts with a Section 42 Notice, which your solicitor must send to us
  • we’ll reply within two months with a Counter Notice (accepting or suggesting a price)
  • If needed, a tribunal can help decide the price.

Costs to expect

  • legal fees: around £1,000 (can be more if complex)
  • valuation fees: around £270
  • you may need to pay a deposit (10% of the proposed premium or £250, whichever is higher)
  • you must pay any outstanding charges before the lease extension is completed.

Helpful resources

Gov.uk Leasehold Property
Lease Advisory Service Guide
Lease Extension Calculator

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