Ground rent
Ground rent is a regular payment made by a leaseholder to a landlord. Ground rent is generally only a small amount, typically £50 to £300 a year. Since the introduction of the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 in many circumstances ground rent is banned, with a number of exceptions.
The lease should set out:
- The amount of the ground rent.
- The payment dates (usually annual).
- The circumstances under which the ground rent can be increased.
Ground rent is only payable when the landlord asks for it formally, setting out:
- The name of the leaseholder.
- The period covered.
- The amount.
- The name and address of the freeholder.
- The name and address of the managing agent if payment is to be made to them.
- The due date.
- 'Notes for Leaseholders' informing leaseholders of their rights and responsibilities.
Failure to pay ground rent can result in legal proceedings, and in very extreme circumstances could lead to eviction.
As ground rent is typically very low, some landlords can fail to collect it, however, they can only recover it going back 6 years.
Ground rent can generally only be increased if the lease permits, or if the leaseholder agrees to an increase, or if the property is sold.
If a leaseholder extends a lease under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 they then only have to pay a ‘peppercorn rent’ effectively a ground rent of nothing. If a lease is extended by negotiation ground rent may still be payable.
Other charges that might be made by a landlord include; service charges, consents to make alterations, the provision of information when a property is being sold and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Betterment.
- Break clauses in leases.
- Built to suit.
- Buy-to-let mortgage.
- Dilapidations.
- Housing tenure.
- Landlord.
- Leasehold.
- Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022.
- Lease Negotiations - Tenants Checklist.
- Licence to alter.
- Peppercorn rent.
- Property guardianship.
- Rent.
- Rent-free period.
- Rent review.
- Reversion.
- Schedule of dilapidations.
- Scott schedule.
- Service charge.
- Supersession.
- Vacant possession.
- What is a mortgage?
[edit] External references
- The Leasehold Advisory Service. Service charges and other charges.
- Shelter. Ground rent.
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.