Who is the freeholder of my property? Got a missing freeholder? Let’s look at how to identify your freeholder and why it matters.
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Who is the freeholder of my property?
Knowing who owns the freehold of your property is important for various reasons, from understanding who’s responsible for building maintenance to knowing who to contact about lease extensions.
Checking your lease
The first place to look for your freeholder’s identity is your lease. This legal document should contain the freeholder’s name and address. However, keep in mind that this information might be outdated if the freehold has changed hands since your lease was issued.
Land Registry search
If your lease doesn’t provide current information, you can do a search at the Land Registry. Here’s how:
Visit the Land Registry website
Enter your property’s address
Pay a small fee (usually around £3)
Download the title register
The title register will show the current freeholder’s name and address.
Asking your managing agent
If your building has a managing agent, they should be able to provide the freeholder’s details. They act as a go-between for leaseholders and freeholders, so they’ll have up-to-date information.
Contacting your mortgage lender
Your mortgage lender will have carried out checks when you bought the property. They should have the freeholder’s details on file and may be able to share this information with you.
Using the FH15 form
If all else fails, you can use the FH15 form, also known as a “Notice to the Landlord for Information about the Freeholder”. This is a legal right under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Here’s what you need to know:
| FH15 Form Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Request freeholder information |
| Cost | Free to submit |
| Response time | Freeholder must reply within 28 days |
| Information provided | Freeholder’s name and address |
Why knowing your freeholder matters?
Understanding who your freeholder is can help with:
• Lease extensions
• Service charge queries
• Building maintenance issues
• Collective enfranchisement (buying the freehold)
Knowing your freeholder’s identity is the first step in many property-related processes. It’s worth taking the time to find out and keep this information on hand.
Remember, if you’re having trouble identifying your freeholder, you can always seek advice from a property solicitor or a leasehold advisory service. They can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights as a leaseholder.
What are the main responsibilities of a freeholder?
The main responsibilities of a freeholder include:
- Maintaining the building structure and communal areas
- Arranging buildings insurance
- Collecting ground rent and service charges
- Managing utility supplies for communal areas
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Preparing budgets and management accounts
- Communicating with leaseholders about major works
- Granting permission for significant property alterations
These responsibilities are typically outlined in the lease and relevant legislation.
How does the role of a freeholder differ from that of a leaseholder?
The roles of freeholder and leaseholder differ significantly:
Freeholder:
- Owns the building and land outright
- Responsible for building structure and communal areas
- Sets and collects ground rent and service charges
- Arranges buildings insurance
- Grants permission for major alterations
Leaseholder:
- Owns the right to occupy the property for a fixed term
- Responsible for internal maintenance of their flat
- Pays ground rent and service charges
- Arranges contents insurance
- Needs permission for significant changes to the property
What are the common disputes between freeholders and leaseholders?
Common disputes between freeholders and leaseholders include:
- Service charge increases – Leaseholders may challenge unreasonable hikes
- Maintenance quality – Disagreements over standards or frequency of repairs
- Major works – Disputes over necessity, cost, or disruption of large projects
- Insurance costs – Leaseholders may feel premiums are too high
- Lease extension terms – Negotiations can be contentious
- Permission for alterations – Freeholders may unreasonably withhold consent
- Ground rent increases – Especially with escalating ground rent clauses
- Management quality – Leaseholders may be unhappy with freeholder’s management
Many of these disputes can be resolved through communication or, if necessary, through tribunals or mediation services.
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While we’re not solicitors and can’t offer legal advice, we have extensive experience in property transactions and can often help navigate complex situations. If you’re considering selling your property now or in the future, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your options and see how we can provide a solution tailored to your needs.
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