Bournemouth leaseholders get new rights

Leaseholders in Bournemouth and Poole are set to get stronger rights over service charges.

From the first of April 2027, they will be able to demand details of service charges, including earlier years, covering how their building is managed, maintained, repaired and insured, and landlords will need a good reason to refuse.

On the same date, landlords will need approval from a court or tribunal before passing their legal costs on, and leaseholders will also gain a new right to claim back their own legal costs.

From the first of November 2027, leaseholders will automatically receive clearer details about building insurance and admin fees, while private landlords will need standard forms, accounts and annual reports for service charges.

Jessica Toale, the MP for Bournemouth West, said her office regularly hears from residents who face “major hikes” and “can't get a straight answer” when asking what they are paying for.

She said the changes mean people can “see where their money is going” and question a charge without fear of being left with their landlord's legal costs, after she raised leaseholder issues in Parliament.

See more at mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk.