Strengthening Leaseholder Protections over Charges and Services – Consultation Summary

The Government has published an open consultation titled “Strengthening Leaseholder Protections over Charges and Services,” which runs until 26 September 2025. This consultation accompanies the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and is part of the wider legislative programme designed to rebalance the leasehold system in favour of flat owners and occupiers.

The consultation targets the next phase of reforms: improving transparency around service charges, regulating managing agents, and reforming major works and reserve funds.

While all of these reforms seem to favour leaseholders, ultimately life may become more expensive, and some flats may be more difficult to sell as a result.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (“Act”) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. Among its most significant commercial property reforms is the proposed prohibition on upwards-only rent reviews (“UORRs”) in business leases.

Although the relevant provisions are not yet in force, the direction of travel is now clear.

The legislation represents a substantial shift in business tenancies practice and may rapidly begin to influence negotiations, valuation assumptions and asset management decisions.

One immediate consequence is that landlords with pending rent reviews under existing leases are likely to rush their conclusion before the ban crystallises.

Enacting the remaining Law Commission recommendations relating to the Right to Manage

As we have discussed in our previous articles, it was announced in the King’s Speech that the Government’s legislative programme would include draft legislation on leasehold and commonhold reform: the “Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.”

This implied that the Government might leave the previous Conservative Government’s legislation, The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, on the shelf and perhaps implement a wider set of reforms consolidating the existing law following the recommendations made by the Law Commission.