Collective Enfranchisement: Who can participate in a collective enfranchisement claim?

Prior to serving the Initial Notice and commencing a collective enfranchisement claim, it is necessary to establish that the building qualifies for collective enfranchisement, and that the leaseholders are eligible to make the claim. This article will set out which buildings qualify, and what a qualifying tenant is. The rules around eligibility are complex, however in summary they are: 

Does the building qualify for collective enfranchisement?

The building qualification criteria require that:

1. The building must contain at least two flats
2. At least two-thirds of the flats must be owned by qualifying tenants (covered at point 2 below)
3. Not more than 25% of the building (excluding common parts) must be used for non-residential purposes (such as shops or offices, but garages and parking spaces will be classed as residential).

However, some buildings are excluded from the right to collective enfranchisement altogether, such as:

•  Buildings within a cathedral precinct
•  National Trust properties
•  If the freehold includes a railway track, bridge, tunnel or retaining wall to a railway track
•  Crown properties
•  Buildings with a resident landlord

If it is found that the building does qualify, then it is necessary to establish if there are enough qualifying tenants, to proceed with the proposed collective enfranchisement claim.

Are there enough qualifying tenants for collective enfranchisement?

A qualifying tenant is one whose lease meets one of the following conditions:

1. The lease was for a fixed term of more than 21 years when it was granted
2. The lease contains a covenant or obligations for perpetual renewal
3. The lease is terminable on death or marriage or an unknown date
4. The lease is a continuation of a long lease under the Local Government Housing Act 1989 following the expiry of the original term
5. The lease was granted as a result the ‘right to buy’ or ‘right to acquire on rent to mortgage terms’
6. The lease is a shared ownership lease where the leaseholder’s share is 100%

However, a leaseholder will not be a qualifying tenant, if the landlord is a charitable housing trust and the flat is provided as part of the charity’s functions, the leaseholder owns more than two flats in the building, or, the leaseholder has a business / commercial lease.

The minimum number of participating tenants is half the total number of flats in the building (unless there are only two flats in the building, in which case the leaseholders of both flats must qualify and participate).

Why you should use a solicitor for collective enfranchisement

The collective enfranchisement process is complex, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. We suggest solicitors are instructed before commencing the process or at the earliest opportunity – they can determine whether the building qualifies, and if there are enough qualifying tenants for the claim to succeed.

We are experts in this area, and we have an experienced Residential Property team and Property Disputes team who can assist leaseholders and freeholders with collective enfranchisement matters.