A Bill to amend the law relating to long leaseholders; to confer further powers on leaseholders; to make provision in relation to leaseholders in local council owned property and property owned by other social landlords; to confer powers on landlords to create sinking funds; to make requirements of landlords relating to the management of property; for conencted purposes
The Bill seeks to strengthen the rights of long leaseholders of residential premises. It tackles the charges that some long leaseholders of social landlords face as a result of major works being carried out to achieve the Government’s decent homes target by 2010.Key areasIncreases the involvement of long leaseholders in decisions over major works to their homesLimits the monthly charge that someone could be required to pay to their local authority landlord in respect of major worksRequires the Secretary of State to make regulations under which local authorities would be able to establish sinking funds to which long leaseholders would be required to make contributionsRequires the Secretary of State to make regulations concerning authorities’ powers/duties to buy back all or part of a long leaseholder’s property on request.
House of Commons
30 October 2008
This Bill aims to strengthen the rights of people who hold long leases on their homes. It targets charges and decision-making for major works carried out by social landlords and local authorities, giving leaseholders more say, capping certain costs, and establishing rules about sinking funds and buy-back options.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; it is in the early stages of passage and has not yet reached committee stage.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
