Over the past 18 months, Richard has campaigned to reform freehold management charges in response to widespread constituent concerns. Many North Bedfordshire residents have faced unreasonable charges, poor services, and a lack of transparency, with no rights to challenge unfair bills.
Key actions taken by Richard:
- March 2023: Coordinated a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, signed by over 30 MPs, urging reform.
- April 2023: Initiated a parliamentary debate on the specific issues in North Bedfordshire.
- October 2023: Presented a petition to Number 10 with local councillors, calling for new legislation.
Having listened to the calls of Richard and his colleagues in Parliament, the Government introduced a Bill to establish a new statutory regime for freehold homeowners based on the rights that leaseholders already have. Richard sat on the Bill committee and continued his fight for the rights of freeholders through the Committee and the remaining stages through the House of Commons. The Bill was enacted as the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on 24th May and is now law.
Following this news, Richard Fuller said:
This change in the law will be very welcome news to the many homeowners in North Bedfordshire I have spoken to. The new powers grant freehold homeowners on private and mixed tenure estates the same rights of redress as leaseholders, and equivalent rights to transparency over their estate charges, and help more leaseholders take over the management of their property if they want to.
Benefits of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act include:
- Leaseholders:
- Easier and cheaper to buy their freehold or extend leases.
- Standard lease extension terms increased to 990 years for houses and flats.
- Greater transparency over service charges.
- Improved ability to challenge landlords' unreasonable charges at Tribunal.
- Banning of excessive buildings insurance commissions.
- No requirement for new leaseholders to own property for two years before extending lease or buying freehold.
- Enhanced rights to manage property and collective enfranchisement.
- Freehold Homeowners:
- Same rights of redress and transparency as leaseholders.
- Ability to challenge estate charges.
- Increased access to redress schemes for challenging poor practices.
You can read more about the new legislation here and to learn more about Richard’s record on delivery on this issue, click here
Richard's dedication to this cause has led to substantial legislative change, ensuring greater rights, transparency, and fairness for homeowners.
