Legal framework
The lease is the contractual starting point, supported by company, leasehold, building-safety and fire-safety law.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 governs variable service charges, including reasonableness, standards, consultation, information rights and the 18-month rule. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 adds trust, demand and management protections.
The Companies Act 2006 and MANCO's articles govern membership, the register of members, directors' duties, accounts, meetings and resolutions. Company-law membership rights attach to registered MANCO members, not automatically to every leaseholder.
The Building Safety Act 2022 establishes the higher-risk-building regime, including duties for Accountable Persons and resident engagement. Fire-safety duties also arise under the Fire Safety Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 covers administration charges, tribunal jurisdiction and Right to Manage. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 adds further reforms, but commencement must be checked before relying on any provision.