If you are a leaseholder, you have the right to live in that home for a fixed period, rather than owning it outright. The home will then revert back to the freeholder (Trent & Dove).

What is the difference between leasehold and renting?

Leasehold involves a long-term agreement, typically for years, granting the leaseholder rights to occupy and use the home. A leaseholder cannot choose the length of their lease. 

Renting is a short-term arrangement, often monthly, with more limited rights for the tenant. 

The freeholder (Trent & Dove) owns the land and building, and we will consult with you before any work for which we are responsible begins. [link to Leaseholder Consultation Booklet]. 

Leaseholder responsibilities

Like owning your own home, you will be responsible for repairs and maintenance within that home, such as: 

  • Internal walls and plasterwork, ceilings and floor surfaces.  
  • Wiring that is only for your home. 
  • Internal doors and frames. 
  • Internal decorations. 
  • Internal fixtures and fittings, unless they belong to us (for example entry-phone handset)  
  • Reporting any issues to us as soon as possible. 

Trent & Dove's responsibilities

We own and are responsible for maintaining and repairing the outside parts and main structure of the building and estate your home is in.   

As the leaseholder you must pay some of the cost of this work. 

Our main responsibilities are:  

  • The roof, foundations and walls. 
  • Shared water tanks, drains, plumbing and wiring.  
  • Communal hallways, corridors and stairways.  
  • External door and window frames. 
  • Communal gardens and recreational areas. 

We maintain the same repairs timescales for all customers. 

Service charges

Under the terms of the lease, leaseholders pay a service charge to us. 

Your service charge is the money you pay towards the day-to-day running costs of your block or estate. We will carry out regular maintenance to make sure that the block is in a good state of repair and the cost of the maintenance will form part of your service charge. 

Your service charge could include: 

  • Lift maintenance.
  • Digital TV aerial.  
  • Communal lighting, cleaning and door entry systems.  
  • Caretaking services for cleaning, car park and drying areas.  
  • Grounds maintenance.  
  • Repair and maintenance work (including major works if applicable), buildings insurance.  
  • Management costs and any other running costs of your block or estate.

Understanding your Service Charge Breakdown