Leasehold ending

andy444

This is just to satisfy my own curiosity really, but what actually happens if you reside in a leasehold property and the leasehold period ends? Do you automatically have to leave the property? Do you get any recompense for having to leave?

eddddy

You don't get any recompense.

Essentially, you continue to be a tenant.  Subject to various conditions, options include

• The tenant surrenders the tenancy and moves out
• The landlord/freeholder can serve notice on the tenant ending the tenancy - but if the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord would need a court order
• The landlord can propose an assured periodic tenancy

For a limited time, the tenant still has the right to extend the lease or buy the freehold.

There's much more detailed info here: https://www.lease-advice.org/advice-guide/security-tenure/

LeaseExpert

Eddddy is correct - and thus a leaseholder has few positive options if they've done nothing in the run-up to the lease term expiring. So ... leaseholders should do something about it before that point; e.g. get a lease extension.

Leaseholders should also watch for up-coming Leasehold Reform, which is anticipated to be 'leaseholder friendly' and is likely to tweak things in favour of those seeking a lease extension, or groups of leaseholders wishing to buy the freehold of their building.