extending council lease uk

 

 

 

Extending a council lease in the UK involves a process known as lease extension or lease renewal. Council (local authority) leases are typically granted for a fixed period, often 125 years or more. As the lease term diminishes, the property's value may decrease, making it essential to consider extending the lease to maintain or increase the property's value and your rights as a leaseholder.

Here are the steps involved in extending a council lease in the UK:

1. Check Your Eligibility:

   • Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for lease extension. Generally, you must have owned the property for at least two years before you can apply for a lease extension.

2. Valuation:

   • You'll need to have a formal valuation of your property to determine the cost of extending the lease. You can hire a surveyor or a valuer for this purpose. The council may also have its own valuation process.

3. Section 184 Notice:

   • You'll need to serve a Section 184 Notice on the council, expressing your intention to extend the lease. This notice should include your proposed terms for the extension, such as the new lease length and the premium you are willing to pay. It's a good idea to seek legal advice during this process.

4. Council's Response:

   • The council will have a set period (usually two months) to respond to your Section 184 Notice. They may accept your proposed terms or counter with their own offer. Negotiations may occur at this stage to agree on the terms.

5. Lease Extension Agreement:

   • Once you and the council agree on the terms, a formal Lease Extension Agreement will be drafted. This agreement will outline the new lease terms, including the extended lease length, ground rent, and any other relevant conditions.

6. Legal Process:

   • It is advisable to have a solicitor or legal advisor review the Lease Extension Agreement to ensure that your interests are protected. Both parties will need to sign this agreement.

7. Payment:

   • You will need to pay the agreed premium for the lease extension. This could be a lump sum or installment payments, depending on the terms negotiated.

8. Register the Lease:

   • After the payment is made, the new lease should be registered with the Land Registry to make it official.

9. Additional Costs:

   • Keep in mind that you will also be responsible for the council's reasonable legal and valuation costs, in addition to your own.

It's important to note that lease extension costs can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the property's value, the remaining lease term, and the terms negotiated with the council. Seeking legal and valuation advice is crucial to ensure a fair and favorable outcome in the lease extension process.

concrete cancer

 

 

 

Concrete cancer, also known as concrete spalling or concrete decay, is a term used to describe the deterioration of concrete structures over time due to various environmental and structural factors. It primarily refers to the corrosion or degradation of reinforced concrete, where the steel reinforcement within the concrete begins to rust or corrode. This can lead to the concrete cracking, breaking, or flaking away, which weakens the overall structure.

Here are some common causes and factors contributing to concrete cancer:

1. Corrosion of Reinforcement: The most common cause is the corrosion of the steel reinforcement within the concrete. This occurs when moisture and oxygen penetrate the concrete, causing the steel to rust. Rust occupies more volume than the steel, leading to pressure on the surrounding concrete, which can result in cracking and spalling.

2. Exposure to Salt: Structures near coastal areas or roads treated with de-icing salts are particularly susceptible to concrete cancer. Salt can accelerate the corrosion process by facilitating the penetration of water into the concrete.

3. Carbonation: Carbon dioxide in the air can penetrate concrete and reduce its alkalinity, leading to the breakdown of the passive layer protecting the steel reinforcement. This can make the steel more susceptible to corrosion.

4. Chemical Attack: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as acids and sulfates, can weaken the concrete and accelerate corrosion of the steel.

5. Poor Construction or Maintenance: Inadequate construction practices, poor-quality materials, and insufficient maintenance can contribute to the development of concrete cancer.

The consequences of concrete cancer can be significant. It can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other concrete structures, posing safety risks. It can also be expensive to repair, especially if left unaddressed for an extended period.

Treatment and prevention of concrete cancer typically involve the following steps:

1. Inspection and Assessment: Regular inspections to identify signs of concrete decay are crucial. This may include visual inspections, corrosion monitoring, and non-destructive testing.

2. Repair: Depending on the severity of the deterioration, repair methods can range from surface treatments and patching to more extensive interventions like concrete removal and replacement of corroded steel.

3. Preventive Measures: To prevent further corrosion, protective coatings, sealants, and cathodic protection systems can be applied. Proper drainage and ventilation systems can also help keep moisture away from the concrete.

4. Quality Construction: Ensuring that concrete structures are built to high-quality standards using appropriate materials can help prevent concrete cancer in the first place.

In summary, concrete cancer is a term used to describe the deterioration of concrete structures, primarily caused by the corrosion of steel reinforcement within the concrete. Regular inspections, maintenance, and preventive measures are essential to address and prevent this issue, ensuring the long-term durability and safety of concrete structures.

Cladding issues in the UK

 

 

 

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, cladding issues in the UK primarily revolved around fire safety concerns and the use of potentially flammable cladding materials on residential buildings. The most significant events and issues related to cladding in the UK are summarized below:

1. Grenfell Tower Fire: The Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 was a tragic event that claimed 72 lives. The fire spread rapidly due to the external cladding system used on the building, which consisted of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels with a flammable polyethylene core. This disaster led to increased scrutiny of cladding materials and fire safety standards in the UK.

2. Cladding Scandals: In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, it was discovered that many other residential buildings across the UK had similar cladding systems that did not meet fire safety regulations. These buildings were often covered in ACM cladding or other potentially combustible materials. This sparked a series of cladding scandals and concerns about the safety of residents.

3. EWS1 Form: To address these concerns, the government introduced the External Wall Fire Review (EWS1) form in late 2019. The EWS1 form was intended to assess the fire safety of external cladding systems on residential buildings. However, its implementation led to difficulties in obtaining mortgage approvals and insurance for affected properties, causing distress for homeowners.

4. Building Safety Bill: In 2020, the UK government introduced the Building Safety Bill, which aims to reform the building safety system and address issues related to cladding and fire safety. The bill includes provisions for improved oversight of building safety, increased accountability for developers and building owners, and measures to remediate unsafe cladding.

5. Cladding Remediation Fund: The government also allocated funds to support the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding on high-rise residential buildings. However, there were concerns about the adequacy of the funding and the pace of remediation work.

Please note that the situation regarding cladding issues in the UK may have evolved since my last knowledge update in September 2021. It is advisable to consult more recent sources and official government announcements for the latest developments and measures related to cladding and building safety in the UK.