Council flats which are sold under the Right to Buy scheme are sold on a leasehold basis, with the freehold of the whole block being owned by the Council (the’ freeholder' and 'landlord'). An individual who purchases the lease of a property from the freeholder (or owner), in this case Dudley Council, becomes the 'leaseholder’.
As a leaseholder you are responsible for everything within the four walls of the flat/maisonette, including floorboards, plaster, walls and ceiling. Your responsibility does not include the repair or maintenance of external/internal structural walls or roof. It is your responsibility to pay your share of the costs for maintaining the block, communal areas and for the provision of services. Buying the lease of a property gives you a legal and financial interest in it and means you have the right to occupy the property rent free upon payment of a nominal annual ground rent.
Dudley Council has developed a leasehold handbook which aims to provide leaseholders with information about being a leaseholder and the services you have the right to receive. It provides valuable information about your rights and responsibilities and those of the council. It is not possible to cover every single aspect of being a leaseholder within the handbook however, we hope to provide you with a broad understanding of various areas which may affect you as a leaseholder. The handbook is available to download via the link below.
Contact details
Statutory Consultation Enquiries: Participation Development Team - 01384 815168
General Leasehold Enquiries: Dudley Council Plus - 0300 555 2345
