What are mutuals?
Retirement Living Mutuals are a variety of schemes where leaseholders are collectively the landlord. They are a type of cooperative housing. A number of residents will be on the Mutual’s Board (also known as Committee). Our role is that of Managing Agent, where we perform the Landlord’s function on their behalf.
How can I purchase a property in a mutual?
Leaseholders sell their properties on the housing market and these will be advertised in the local estate agents and/or Rightmove. Normally, we do not sell properties within Mutuals, but we do get involved in the process as a buyer or seller will ask us for information or consents as required by their lease agreement.
Can I extend my lease?
Lease extensions are allowed on a voluntary basis and are subject to the Landlord having a sufficient term to grant a lease extension which will operate on a surrender and re-grant basis. That would mean you surrender your existing term, in return for a new lease with a longer term.
If you are a mutual leaseholder and would like to discuss extending your lease you can speak to your Scheme Manager, email the Mutuals team at mutuals@midlandheart.org.uk or phone on 0345 60 20 540.
Changes to your Building Insurance
To ensure best value we look to enter into a long-term agreement with respect of Building Insurance.
When entering into a long-term agreement such as this it is usual for us to initiate a Section 20 Consultation made up of several notices.
It was brought to our attention that not all Leaseholders received the First Notice (Notice of Intention) that was issued in relation to the current agreement. As such it was necessary for us to make an application to the Tribunal that we may dispense with the usual consultation requirements that are stipulated by Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
What is a dispensation?
A dispensation means that we are asking to by-pass the normal Section 20 rules that we follow. In this case, whilst we have clearly outlined to all Leaseholders the costs that were involved, it was due to an administrative error, the Notice of Intention was not issued to all relevant Leaseholders.
Click here to see the dispensation document
Meet the Team
We’re made up of four Leasehold Property Officers, two Administrators, a Leasehold Manager and a Head of Mutuals and Leasehold.
The team cover all things related to leasehold, shared ownership, right to buy/right to acquire and a portfolio of commercial lets. Find out more by clicking the button below:
