Complex Leasehold Titles - A Workshop for Conveyancers

Introduction

Landlord and tenant law is notoriously complex with many pitfalls for residential conveyancers.

This workshop will take delegates through the constantly changing landscape of leasehold conveyancing. It will take a look at problematic areas of leasehold conveyancing, common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

It also incorporates changes to the law that have happened in the last two years, together with proposed upcoming changes which will substantially change advice given to buyers.

By the end of the day, conveyancers will be equipped to update their reporting documents and processes to incorporate key changes to the law.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• Where are we now?
• Updated Law Society forms (25 March 2024 for implementation by 25 June 2024)
• The reforms
• The leasehold house ban
• Enfranchisement and right to manage
• The new ground rent ‘buy-out’ process
• Freehold houses on estates
• The Renters Reform Bill: the ground rent ‘Housing Act trap’
• LPE1 pack
• The additional documentation
• Understanding key parts of the LPE1 pack, including building safety and service charge information
• Working out what is missing
• The dealbreakers
• Acting for buyers: the report on title
• The reforms: new procedure for applying for LPE1 packs & additional enquiries
• Understanding service charge finances
• Special considerations (major works, building safety, reserve/sinking funds, disputed charges)
• Retentions, allowances, and apportionments
• Service charge toolkit for conveyancers
• Reporting to clients on service charges in view of the reforms
• The reforms: dealing with Part 4 building safety charges including retentions
• The reforms: transparency rights for leaseholders - new documents and reporting tips
• Fire and building safety
• Fire Safety Act 2021: fire risk assessment
• Building Safety Act 2022: historic remediation
• Building Safety Act 2022: new ongoing obligations
• Resident management and right to manage companies
• Key documentation to review including the new building safety case report
• Additional enquiries to raise and new documents to report on
• Reporting to clients on Part 4 charges
• Building Safety Regulator inspections
• Leasehold disputes
• Breaches of lease
• Specific examples (unauthorised alterations, service charge disputes, major works, rooftop developments)
• Mitigating the risks
• The reforms: how they will affect common conveyancing disputes in the future