Your Lease
Understand your lease, your responsibilities as a leaseholder and where to find help and guidance when you need it.
Getting To Know Your Lease
Your lease is one of the most important documents that is connected to your home.
It sets out your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder, explains what Redwing is responsible for and provides important information about your property, service charges and the management of your building.
Don’t worry if some of the language feels unfamiliar. This page is here to help explain the key things you need to know.
What Leaseholders Need To Know
What Is A Lease?
A lease is a legal agreement between you and the freeholder that gives you the right to live in and own your home for a set period of time.
Your lease outlines:
- The length of your lease.
- Your rights as a leaseholder.
- Your responsibilities for maintaining your home.
- Service charge arrangements.
- What permissions may be required before carrying out certain works.
- The responsibilities of the freeholder or managing agent.
Every lease is different, so it’s important to refer to your own lease for specific information about your home.
What Are My Responsibilities?
As a leaseholder, you’re usually responsible for maintaining the inside of your home and keeping it in good condition.
This may include:
- Internal repairs and maintenance.
- Decorating your home.
- Looking after fixtures and fittings inside your property.
- Paying service charges.
- Requesting permission before carrying out certain alterations.
Your lease will provide you with more detailed information about exactly what applies to your home.
What Is Redwing Responsible For?
Depending on your development, Redwing may be responsible for:
- Managing communal areas.
- Arranging buildings insurance.
- Ground maintenance.
- Co-ordinating repairs to shared parts of the building.
- Managing service contracts.
- Collecting and managing service charges.
If you’re ever unsure who is responsible for something, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Making Changes To Your Home
Many leaseholders personalise and improve their homes over time.
However, some changes may require permission before work begins.
This can include:
- Structural works.
- Changes to windows or doors.
- Alterations affecting communal areas.
- Major electrical or plumbing works.
Always check with us before starting any work if you’re unsure.
Thinking About Extending?
Insurance arrangement can vary depending on your home and your lease.
If your unsure what cover is already provided, or what you’re responsible for insuring yourself, we’re here to help.
Thinking About Selling?
Insurance arrangement can vary depending on your home and your lease.
If your unsure what cover is already provided, or what you’re responsible for insuring yourself, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions provide you with answers to some of the most common questions around leases.
What is a lease?
A lease is a legal agreement that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder, as well as the responsibilities of the freeholder or managing agent.
How long does my lease last?
Lease lengths vary from property to property. Your lease agreement will confirm the exact remaining term.
What happens if my lease is getting shorter?
You may wish to explore a lease extension. The options available will depend on your circumstances and the terms of your lease.
Can I make alterations to my property?
In many cases, yes. However, some works require permission before they can be carried out.
Why do I pay service charges?
Service charges help cover the cost of maintaining and managing shared areas and communal services within your development.
What should I do if I don't understand something in my lease?
Get in touch. We’ll do our best to explain things in plain English and help you understand what applies to your home.
Need More Information?
Your lease contains important information about your home, but we know it isn’t always easy to understand.
If you have questions about your lease, responsibilities or future plans for your property, our team is here to help.