St Albans City and District Council is to consult right to buy
leaseholders on how best to manage their leasehold properties.

Following a meeting of the cabinet on 5th May 2009, the council has
decided to draw up an action plan to implement best practice on the
management of its leasehold properties. Leaseholders will be consulted
on the action plan which is due to be presented back to cabinet in
October.

Across the district there are around 1,012 right to buy leasehold flats.
The council owns the freeholds of these properties and subject to the
terms of the various leases is responsible for maintaining the exterior
and communal parts of the buildings. In turn, the leaseholders pay for
the cost of these services via an annual service charge. In addition,
leaseholders are also responsible for paying for the necessary capital
works carried out to the building, subject to the terms of their lease.

In order to help leaseholders better manage these costs, the council has
agreed to review its practice, including repayment options, and to
clarify its position on leasehold management by drawing up an action
plan.

It has also agreed to inform leaseholders on their right to manage or
purchase the freehold to their building.

Leaseholders are to be kept informed of their rights and
responsibilities through the leaseholders’ handbook, the welcome pack,
leaflets and the council’s website.

Cllr Joyce Lusby, portfolio holder for Housing Services, said: “I am
pleased that a review of the leasehold management service of the council
is taking place and I know that the views of our leaseholders will be
taken seriously.”

More information about the rights of leaseholders is available at
http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice/Leaseholding/