A new mass email campaign has been launched by the National Leasehold Campaign (NLC), urging MPs to take decisive action to support leaseholders. This comes amid growing frustration over delays in publishing the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which is now expected later this year rather than by the end of 2025 as initially promised. The campaign highlights the urgent need for reforms that will impact leaseholders and landlords alike.

Background to the Leasehold Reform Delay

The government has been under pressure to reform leasehold laws for several years, with promises dating back to 2017 to introduce legislation that would improve conditions for leaseholders. However, the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill has yet to be published, causing concern among leaseholders and stakeholders in the property sector. The National Leasehold Campaign has voiced that patience among leaseholders is “wearing thin,” reflecting a wider loss of trust and confidence in the government’s commitment to meaningful reform.

For landlords and letting agents, these reforms are significant as they could alter the legal landscape around leasehold properties, affecting management practices, service charges, and lease terms. Understanding the timing and content of the bill will be essential for landlords to adapt to any new regulations.

Key Proposed Changes in the Draft Bill

The draft bill is expected to introduce several important measures designed to benefit leaseholders. These include:

• Removing marriage value, which currently inflates costs when leaseholders extend leases or buy freeholds;
• Banning leasehold houses, which would prevent new leasehold arrangements on houses;
• Making it easier, cheaper, and quicker to buy the freehold or extend a lease;
• Increasing lease extension terms from 90 years to 990 years, significantly extending lease durations;
• Enhancing transparency around service charges to ensure leaseholders have clearer information on costs.

For landlords, these changes could affect how lease extensions and freehold sales are negotiated and managed. Greater transparency in service charges may also require landlords and managing agents to review their billing and communication processes to comply with new standards.

Calls for Government Accountability and Further Action

The NLC has also highlighted outstanding issues beyond the draft bill, including the government’s delayed response to the ground rent consultation and the need for improved regulation of managing agents. Jo Darbyshire OBE, co-founder of the NLC, emphasised the importance of delivering “full justice for leaseholders” without further delays or excuses. She noted the repetitive nature of leasehold reform efforts and urged the current government to break this cycle.

Landlords should be aware that these ongoing discussions may lead to additional regulatory requirements, particularly concerning managing agents and service charge practices. Staying informed about these developments will be crucial for compliance and maintaining good landlord-tenant relations.

Next Steps and Parliamentary Process

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill is intended for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee before being formally introduced to Parliament. This process allows for detailed examination and potential amendments, which means the final legislation could differ from initial proposals.

Landlords and agents should monitor this process closely, as the outcomes will directly influence leasehold property management and legal obligations. Early engagement with professional bodies and legal advisors may help landlords prepare for upcoming changes.

Supporting Landlords Through Change

In light of these ongoing reforms, the Tenant and Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026. This initiative will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Service providers in legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other relevant sectors are invited to register their interest to join the hub. This resource aims to assist landlords in navigating the evolving regulatory environment effectively.