Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a) statutory protections and (b) appeal mechanisms are available to people who are subject to charges arising from covenants imposed by freeholders.

Permission fees and administration charges should only be used where necessary and should cover only any reasonable costs incurred.

Any fees and charges should be justifiable, transparent, and communicated effectively and that there should be a clear route to redress if things go wrong.

By law, variable administration or permission charges must be reasonable, and leaseholders can challenge them by applying to the tribunal for a decision if they do not believe they are fair.

Measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 require landlords to publish an administration charge schedule, giving leaseholders more information and providing clarity on potential charges they face.

Leaseholders and freeholders burdened by a restrictive covenant have the option to seek modifications or discharges through the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) under Section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925, which outlines specific conditions that must be met for a successful application. The respective restrictive covenant and the likelihood of getting it removed will be case specific and landowners should seek independent legal advice.