Leasehold property
Extending, changing or ending a lease
Extending the lease
You can ask the landlord to extend your lease at any time. When there are 80 years or less remaining on your lease, the cost of extending it increases significantly.
You might be able to extend your lease by:
- 90 years on a flat if you qualify
- 50 years on a house if you qualify
The Leasehold Advisory Service’s lease extension calculator gives you a guide to the costs of extending the lease of a flat.
Changing the lease
You can negotiate certain changes to the lease, sometimes known as ‘varying the lease’. Speak to your landlord first.
If you cannot agree, you may be able to apply to a tribunal - contact the Leasehold Advisory Service for advice.
Ending the lease
It’s very rare that a landlord can end the lease and evict you. There are some circumstances and leases that let them do this, sometimes known as ‘forfeiture proceedings’. They need to send you a formal written notice and get the court’s permission.
The Leasehold Advisory Service has information about forfeiture.
When the lease runs out
If your lease expires, this does not mean you automatically have to leave the property, but you’ll have less rights and legal protections. The Leasehold Advisory Service has information about what happens when your lease expires.
Get urgent advice if your lease is about to run out.