Glossary
Leaseholder
Someone who owns the right to live in a property for a fixed number of years (the 'lease') but not the building itself. The freeholder owns the building and has repair duties for the structure and communal areas under the lease.
Related terms
Service charge
Charges a leaseholder pays to the freeholder for shared services and maintenance. Disputes about service charges are separate from disrepair claims, but often arise alongside them.
Section 20 consultation
The three-stage process landlords must follow before carrying out major works costing more than £250 per leaseholder. If a landlord skips consultation, the leaseholder's liability is capped at £250 per job. Governed by Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Ground rent
An annual payment many leaseholders pay to their freeholder. Under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, ground rent on most new residential leases is now capped at zero. Historic ground rents on older leases can still apply.
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Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.