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<p>This Government is committed to tackling excessive and unjustifiable practices
in the leasehold sector, making home ownership fairer for all. The technical consultation
which closed on 26 November sets out how the Government intends to reform the system.
The consultation document details proposals for banning leasehold houses and restricting
ground rents in the future.</p><p>The Government is also clear that existing unfair
lease terms have no place in the housing market. It is right that developers who sold
leaseholds with onerous terms should support their customers to amend such lease terms.
Some developers have introduced assistance schemes which is welcome. The Government
is engaging with industry to urge them to take proactive steps to vary leases for
those with onerous ground rent clauses.</p><p>We are further helping existing leaseholders
by:</p><ul><li>Working with the Law Commission to make buying a freehold or extending
a lease easier, quicker and cheaper;</li><li>Making it easier for leaseholders to
form Recognised Tenants' Associations so they can hold the management of their block
to account;</li><li>Setting up a Working Group, chaired by Lord Best, to look at how
property agents can be improved, including a single, mandatory Code of Practice for
managing agents and whether any fees should be capped or banned;</li><li>Publishing
a 'How to Lease' guide for consumers.</li></ul>
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