Frequently asked questions relating to Hyde leasehold conveyancing
I would like to rent out my leasehold flat in Hyde. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Do I need to ask my freeholder for their consent?
A lease dictates relations between the landlord and you the flat owner; in particular, it will indicate if subletting is not allowed, or permitted but only subject to certain conditions. The rule is that if the lease contains no expres ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. Most leases in Hyde do not contain an absolute prevention of subletting – such a provision would undoubtedly devalue the flat. In most cases there is simply a requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly supplying a duplicate of the sublease.
I have recently realised that I have Fifty years remaining on my flat in Hyde. I now wish to get lease extension but my freeholder is missing. What options are available to me?
On the basis that you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the magistrate. You will be obliged to demonstrate that you have used your best endeavours to track down the freeholder. For most situations a specialist would be useful to try and locate and prepare an expert document which can be used as proof that the landlord can not be located. It is wise to seek advice from a conveyancer both on investigating the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court overseeing Hyde.
Expecting to exchange soon on a basement flat in Hyde. Conveyancing lawyers have said that they are sending me a report on Monday. Are there areas in the report that I should be focusing on?
Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Hyde should include some of the following:
- You should receive a copy of the lease
I own a leasehold house in Hyde. Conveyancing and Birmingham Midshires mortgage organised. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1998. The conveyancing practitioner in Hyde who previously acted has now retired.Any advice?
First make enquiries of HMLR to make sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. You do not need to instruct a Hyde conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.
Last month I purchased a leasehold house in Hyde. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?
Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.
If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).
Hyde Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing
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Is there a share of the freehold?
Make sure you investigate if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. By way of example it is fairly common in Hyde leases that pets are not allowed in in a block in Hyde. If you like the propertyin Hyde but your cat is not allowed to live with you then you will be presented with a hard choice.
How much is the annual service fee and ground rent?
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