Leaseholders' guide – what you need to know - What Is a lease?

A lease is a legal agreement between you (the leaseholder) and the council (the freeholder). It explains what you’re responsible for and what the council is responsible for.

Key points:

• When you buy a flat or maisonette from the council, you’re buying the leasehold. The council keeps ownership of the land and building — this is called the freehold
• most leases last 125 years from when the first flat in the building was sold
• your lease includes a plan showing your home, the building it’s in, and any garden or shed that comes with it. It may also show shared areas you can use.

Who’s responsible for what?

•    You are responsible for everything inside your flat.
•    The council is responsible for the outside of the building and the land it’s on.

Shared areas

• you may be allowed to use shared spaces like gardens or hallways
• you can’t store things like bikes or furniture in shared areas. Small items like a doormat or plant pot may be okay.

Getting a copy of your lease

• your solicitor should give you a copy when you buy your home
• if you lose it, your mortgage lender might have a copy (they may charge you)
• Norwich City Council can give you a free photocopy.

Changing your lease

• if you and the council agree to make changes (like fixing a mistake), this is done with a Deed of Rectification.
• if you both agree to other changes, it’s called a Deed of Variation. You’ll need a solicitor and may have to pay
• if one side wants to change the lease but the other doesn’t, a court may need to decide.