Upcoming Events :
Seminar: Outsourcing and Contract Procurement
Tue 28 Feb 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Lack of understanding 'fuelling unnecessary leasehold disputes'
Mon 26 Apr 2010
Many people are going through unnecessary disputes and stresses because of a lack of understanding of leasehold law.
This is the view of the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service (LAS), which said very few people understand this legislation in great detail.
As a result, disputes which could be avoided are taking place across the country.
The LAS said more than a dozen statutes apply in this sector, which affect about three million people who occupy leasehold flats and houses.
It also noted that leasehold laws also affect landlords, managing agents, valuers and solicitors.
The LAS acknowledged that leasehold laws are "complex", but said people can get advice to help them avoid getting into disputes.
Chief executive Anthony Essien said that if people "get it right in the first place", they could save each party a lot of time and money.
The comments come in the run-up to next month's LAS conference, in which delegates will discuss how leasehold is working and whether any changes in the system need to be made.
Emma Chadwick, partner in law firm Winckworth Sherwood, commented: "It was important to remember that leasehold disputes concern people's homes or investments and could be very stressful if not handled correctly.
"Sometimes obtaining legal advice right at the outset can ease this burden and save costs."
