Formal Route vs Informal Route

There are two ways you can extend your lease; the formal route (sometimes called the statutory route) route or the informal route (sometimes called the voluntary route).

The table below illustrates the difference between the two routes. We always recommend the formal route.

Call us on 0800 830 3388 to find out more.

The Formal Route

1

The tenant serves an initial notice on the Landlord the lease extension proceeds under the time limits set out in law.

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2

Provided that the tenant qualifies then the Landlord must extend the lease.

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3

The premium paid is calculated by the parties’ surveyors using a formula set out in law. If the parties cannot agree then the tenant may apply to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) to set the premium.

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4

The law sets out strict time limits for the parties to comply with at each stage.

The Informal Route

1

No notice is served, the parties simply negotiate informally

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2

The Landlord is under no obligation to extend the lease if negotiations are informal (i.e. notice has not been served).

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3

The premium is agreed informally between the parties and their surveyors. If they cannot agree then the tenant’s only option may be to then go down the formal route.

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4

There are no time limits and the freeholder may delay as long as they like.

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If you are interested in hearing more about extending your lease, please submit the form below or call us on 0800 830 3388 for a free chat with no obligation.






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    Save up to 20% with Group Discount

    When more than one of you extends your lease in the same block, we are happy to offer you the discount.