About your lease
When you buy a flat or maisonette from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council, you become a leaseholder. This means you own the property for a set number of years but the Council still owns the land it’s built on (this is called the freehold).
What the lease means
Your lease is a legal document that explains:
- which parts of the property you own (called the demised premises), shown by your address and a plan attached to the lease
- how long you can live there — usually 125 years from when the first flat in the building was sold
- what you can and can’t do, like selling, changing, or renting out your home
- if you bought your home from someone else, the remaining time on the lease is passed on to you
- the council may charge ground rent because it owns the land
Understanding your lease
It’s important to read and understand your lease. It sets out what you’re responsible for and what the council must do. If you break the terms of your lease, you could face legal action. If you sell your home, the new owner takes on all the same rights and responsibilities.
If you need help understanding your lease, our Sales and Leasehold Management team is happy to help.
You can contact us on telephone 0208 227 2529 or at email leasehold@lbbd.gov.uk
How to get a copy of your lease
Should you require a copy of the lease, please contact the Sales & Leasehold Management team.
Kindly note that a fee applies, as outlined in our fees list.
Payment can be made via bank transfer or through our online payment system.
Your rights as a leaseholder
As a leaseholder, you have rights that protect your home and investment, along with responsibilities to help maintain safety and compliance in your building. The Council is equally committed to its responsibilities, ensuring properties meet legal standards through inspections, maintenance, and safety measures. Working together helps keep homes safe, secure, and well managed for everyone.
This section explains your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder, alongside what you can expect from the Council.
Your rights as a leaseholder
| Rights | Description |
|---|---|
| Peaceful Enjoyment | Peaceful enjoyment of your flat without interruption or disturbance from us. |
| Permission for Alterations | Requesting permission for alterations or improvements. |
| Access to Services | Access to services provided by us, such as maintenance and utilities. |
| Service Charge Information | Receiving information about service charges and insurance. |
| Use of Shared Areas | Use of shared areas within the building or estate (e.g., hallways, gardens). |
| Consultation | Being consulted on certain maintenance and running costs. |
| Access for Repairs | Access to adjoining properties to carry out repairs (with reasonable notice). |
| Challenge Charges | Challenging certain charges under specific circumstances. |
| Lease Enforcement | Enforcement of lease terms—you can ask us to take action if other residents breach restrictions or covenants. |
| Responsibility Clarification | Understanding who is responsible (you or the landlord) for repairs and dealing with noisy neighbours. |
| Sub-letting | Sub-letting your property (with prior permission). |
| Financial Responsibilities | Knowing your financial responsibilities for maintaining the property. |
| Block Management Participation | Participation in block management if applicable. |
| Cladding and Safety Contributions | Checking if you need to contribute to replacing cladding or fixing safety issues (especially in England). |
Your responsibilities as a leaseholder
| Responsibilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Notify repairs | Tell the council about repairs they are responsible for. See Repairs | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham |
| Pay costs | Cover costs for legal notices, nuisance abatement and missed repairs |
| Insurance | Insure against third party risks (example injury or damage) |
| Yield Up | Return the property in good condition at the end of the lease. |
| Pay Rent & Charges | Pay ground rent (if applicable) and service charges on time (interest may apply if unpaid within 21 days). |
| Safety Checks | Get annual gas safety checks and an electrical safety check (EICR) every five years. |
| Notification | Inform us in writing within one month if you sell or transfer the lease, sub-let, or place a charge on the property. |
| Maintain the property | Repair and maintain fixtures, fittings, and any damage caused by water leaks. |
| Cleanliness | Keep your flat clean and in good repair. |
| Conduct | Avoid causing nuisance to neighbours or others nearby. |
| Repayment of Right to Buy discount | Repay any discount received under the Right to Buy scheme if selling within five years. |
| Allow Access | Let Council staff enter for inspections or repairs with notice. |
| Use of premises | Use the property for residential purposes only. Property is not to be used as a business or as housing in multiple occupation. (HMO) |
| Compliance | Obey estate rules and restrictions (see third Schedule) and comply with all relevant policies. |
| Alterations | Do not make any structural alterations or changes to the property without the Sales and Leasehold Management’s written permission. |
| Sale or Remortgage Notification | Notify us if you are selling or remortgaging. |
Council’s responsibilities
| Responsibilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Quiet Enjoyment | Let you live peacefully in the property without interference. |
| Provide Services | Maintain lighting, cleaning, heating systems, lifts, and communal facilities. |
| Manage the Estate | Run the estate reasonably and provide services listed in the Fourth Schedule. |
| Insure the Building | Keep the building insured against risks like fire. |
| Maintain Structure | Repair the building’s structure, exterior, and shared areas. |