Written Question·Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government·UIN 91009

Leasehold: Reform

Tabled: 13 November 2025
Answered: 21 November 2025

Question

James Naish

LabourRushcliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the forthcoming Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will include provisions to (a) regulate the use of estate rentcharges on freehold properties, (b) limit enforcement powers available to estate rentcharge holders under Section 121 of the Law of Property Act 1925 and (c) provide homeowners with a statutory right to vary estate rentcharge deeds to remove disproportionate enforcement mechanisms.

Answer

Matthew Pennycook

The use of Sections 121 and 122 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to enforce rent arrears is draconian and wholly inappropriate given alternative means for rentcharge arrears are available.

We will publish an ambitious draft Leasehold and Commonhold reform Bill before the end of the year.