Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]

Written evidence submitted by Robert Bryant-Pearson FRICS, Former First-tier Tribunal Member - Property Chamber (LRGRB09)

Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]

Good morning,

I broadly welcome the Bill but acknowledge that the second stage of tackling existing leases will be much more difficult.

It is outrageous that developers of Retirement Homes should be given an holiday in which to continue to stich up leaseholders into nasty GR leases.  This should be removed.

Serious consideration should be given to prevent perpetuation of ground rents (which could become even more unfair than previously) at the time of LEASE EXTENSIONS. Whilst a an extension under the ‘93 Act removes the GR, some freeholders "do the leaseholder a favour" by offering what they allege to be a less costly premium but then they slip in nasty review clauses which bite in the not too distant future. New lease extensions must be granted in accordance of the provisions of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and contain no further GR liability.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Bryant-Pearson FRICS
Former First-tier Tribunal Member - Property Chamber

December 2021