Guidance and updates for those who manage and live in leasehold properties.
Plain-English guides on service charges, leasehold reform, and your rights — plus live news from the block management sector.
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Leasehold Reform
Service Charges
Building Safety
Right to Manage
Reserve Funds
Leaseholder Guides
Featured Guide
Leasehold Reform
· 8 min read · Bergason Team
The 2026 Commonhold Bill: What Every Leaseholder in a Managed Block Needs to Know
The government's Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill was published on 27 January 2026. Ground rent caps, commonhold as default tenure, and stronger service charge transparency are all on the table. Here is what is already in force and what is still coming.
Is your block managed by Bergason? Your managing agent is monitoring every reform as it passes. Questions about how the new legislation affects your service charges or lease?
Every occupied high-rise residential building in England needs a safety case report. Here is who writes it, what goes in it, and how it connects to the regulator's building assessment.
It is an offence to let residents occupy an unregistered high-rise residential building. What counts, who must apply, and the deadlines that continue after registration.
Every high-rise residential building must have one clearly identifiable principal accountable person. How the role is decided, what it involves, and where managing agents fit in.
High-rise residents have a legal right to a say in building safety decisions. What the strategy must cover, how often it must be reviewed, and what to do if you are unhappy.
Qualifying leaseholders are protected from cladding remediation costs, and other historical defect costs are capped. How it works, and what the new Remediation Bill proposes.
Lithium-ion battery fires can start fast and spread quickly. Fire service advice for residents on charging and storage, and the questions those running a block should ask.
Poor housekeeping in common parts is a significant fire hazard. The two policy options, why zero tolerance is the default, and when managed use may work.
Much of your block's fire protection is hidden inside its walls and floors. How compartmentation works, why stay put depends on it, and how it can be damaged.
The duty to manage asbestos covers shared areas of blocks of flats, but not the flats themselves. Who holds the duty, what it involves, and what to do before any DIY.
Three ways of owning a home, explained simply. What each one means for a flat owner, who is responsible for the building, and where reform stands today.
Good communication should not depend on chasing. Five questions for RMC and RTM directors to ask a current or prospective managing agent, and what a good answer sounds like.
Small jobs before the cold weather can prevent expensive damage. A practical winter checklist for directors and residents, plus what to do if you find a leak.
How to Challenge a Service Charge You Think Is Unreasonable
Every variable service charge must be reasonably incurred. If you believe a cost is excessive, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal — but there is a right way to go about it.
Bergason provides full service charge transparency and itemised accounts to every leaseholder in our managed blocks. See how we manage your building →
Leasehold Reform
· 6 min read · Bergason Team
Ground Rent Caps Are Coming — Here's Where You Stand Right Now
The draft Bill proposes capping ground rents at £250/year outside London, falling to zero after 40 years. What existing leaseholders should do before the legislation is enacted.
RTM in 2026: Mixed-Use Buildings Now Qualify and You Won't Pay the Freeholder's Legal Fees
Since March 2025, thousands more mixed-use buildings qualify for the Right to Manage — without covering the freeholder's legal costs. A step-by-step guide to making a claim.
Your Reserve Fund Belongs to You — Not Your Managing Agent
Reserve fund contributions are held on trust for leaseholders collectively. When a managing agent changes, that money must be transferred in full. Here is what to check and what to do if it is not.
The New RICS Service Charge Code: What It Now Requires of Your Managing Agent
RICS has published an updated residential management code covering budgeting, complaints, fire safety, and Building Safety Act compliance. What the new standards require — and what to ask your agent.
Section 20: Your Right to Be Consulted Before Major Works Start
If qualifying works would cost you more than £250, your managing agent must consult you before signing any contract. How the process works, how to nominate contractors, and what to do if it is bypassed.
Buildings Insurance Transparency: New Rights to See Exactly What You're Paying For
The 2024 Reform Act significantly strengthened leaseholders' rights to full insurance details — including any commissions paid. How to request the information and what to look for.
Bergason does not accept insurance commissions. All premiums are passed to leaseholders at cost. Request your policy details →
Leaseholder Guides
· 5 min read · Bergason Team
Buying a New Flat in 2026: The Day-One Rights That Did Not Exist Before
The two-year wait before extending your lease has been abolished. From day one of ownership you can exercise your statutory right to extend or buy the freehold. What changed and what your solicitor needs to know.
Can I challenge a service charge I think is too high?
Every variable service charge must be reasonably incurred. If you believe a cost is excessive, unjustified, or for substandard work, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a formal determination. You should pay under protest first rather than simply withhold payment.
What is the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill 2026?
The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill was published on 27 January 2026. It proposes to cap ground rents at £250 per year (falling to zero after 40 years), ban leasehold for new flats, and make commonhold the default ownership structure for new developments. Pre-legislative scrutiny has finished, but the final Bill had not been introduced to Parliament at 1 November 2026, so these proposals are not law and may change.
What is the Right to Manage and who qualifies in 2026?
The Right to Manage allows leaseholders to take over management of their building without buying the freehold. Since March 2025, leaseholders in thousands more mixed-use buildings qualify, and they are no longer required to pay the freeholder's legal costs when making a claim.
Does my managing agent have to consult me before major works?
Yes. Under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, if any qualifying works contract would require you to contribute more than £250, your managing agent must consult you before signing that contract. If consultation is bypassed, the managing agent cannot recover more than £250 per leaseholder for those works.
Who does the reserve fund belong to?
A reserve fund is held on trust for leaseholders collectively — it does not belong to the managing agent. When a managing agent changes, the reserve fund balance must be transferred in full to the new agent or the residents' management company.
For Leaseholders & Freeholders
Not sure where you stand? We will give you a straight answer.
Bergason manages residential blocks across the Midlands. If you have a question about your lease, service charges, or your rights under the new legislation — speak directly to the team.