Ten most useful sites for leaseholders. Recommended for their original source material, and in many cases personal help to leaseholders calling or phoning.

1. www.direct.gov.uk

-Government information services and statistics. Check ‘housing’.


2. www.publications.parliament.uk (Hansard site)

-Search for MP’s, what they said, and how they voted.

-Read debates on leasehold reform, and MPs who spoke out for leaseholders.


3. www.rpts.gov.uk. (Leasehold Valuation Tribunals)

-All the forms necessary to appeal to the LVT.

-Search by subject. (eg ‘insurance’)

-Read previous cases in full.

-Search for information on ANY managing agent or freeholder who has featured in a case.

- Staff are helpful to leaseholders who visit or telephone.


4. www.odpm.gov.uk (Office of the Deputy Prime minister)

-Responsible for the present leasehold rules.

-Consultation papers and Acts of Parliament can be downloaded.

- Telephone with questions about interpretation of legislation


5. www.lease-advice.org (LEASE - Leasehold Advisory Service)

A useful information source for lessees, freeholders, and professionals. Possible to telephone, E Mail, or visit.

NOTE : LEASE Advisors face conflicts of interest, due to LEASE remit to advise all sides, and LEASE funding dependent on Government.

For example how many leaseholders would agree with the following two statements from LEASE ?:

1. LEASE on 2000CLRA:

‘ It was clear from the Bill and Consultation Paper that the Government had taken full note of the evidence put to them and had developed solid proposals to deal with the great majority of identified problems.’ (2001 annual report p.12)

2. LEASE on Leasehold ‘law’:

‘..legislation is the same for both sides and should be viewed on a mutual basis.’ (2002 Annual Report p.11)

LEASE is recommended here as we know its advisors do their best in difficult circumstances which legal advisors should not be asked to work in.


6. www.adviceguide.org.uk (The Citizens Advice Bureaux)

-The link to all Citizens Advice Bureaux in the country.

-Search ‘housing’ for advice on buying a leasehold property.

-Also advice on litigation and legal aid.

-CAB advisors undergo stringent training. Visit to speak to experienced and supportive advisors.

-Operates free surveyors service.

7. www.landregistryonline.gov.uk (The Land Registry)

-Professional documents on freehold purchase and lease extension.

-All ownership of flats and houses is registered here.

-Search Ownership of other flats in a block (£2.00 per title)

-Helpful staff answer queries on the telephone or personal callers.


8. www.epolitix.com

-E mail all or any MPs through their home pages here.

-Search debates and comments, and trace stories over time.

-Registering with the site will ensure updates on housing issues.


9. www.bre.co.uk (The Building Research Establishment)

-Although most leasehold disputes come down to debates about maintenance charges, ‘building information’ is often buried in debates about legalities, although it is fundamental to the dispute.

- BRE publishes guidance documents on property maintenance.

- Undertakes research on all aspects of building and maintenance.

- Offers supportive and knowledgeable help over the telephone.


10. www.buildingcentre.co.uk

Usefulness as above.

-Describes itself as the, ‘world’s largest permanent exhibition and single source of information about the construction industry’.

- Visit recommended. Helpful staff will source books and information to help understand building specifications and contracts at a professional level.