Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 Explanatory Notes

Commonhold unit

Section 21: Part-unit: interests.

69.Section 21,subsection (1) provides that the creation of interests in part only of a commonhold unit is not possible, and subsection (3) provides that an attempt to create such an interest in contravention of subsection (1) will have no effect. Subsections (2) (a) and (b) make the exception to subsection 1 for the creation of leases in part-units which, by virtue of subsection (6), is made subject to the regulations on residential leases to be created under section 17. Subsection (7) provides that regulations may modify the application of provisions of the Act relating to the unit-holder or tenant where part of the unit is held under a lease, so that wrinkles in day-to-day operation can be ironed out. As to transfers of part units, subsection (2) (c) and subsection (8) provide that the transfer of the freehold estate in part of a commonhold unit is possible where the commonhold association consents in writing. However, the commonhold association will only be able to consent to the transfer following a resolution with at least 75 percent of those members who vote, voting in favour ( section 20, subsection (4)). Subsections (4) and (5) provide that where land becomes commonhold land or is added to a commonhold unit in such a way that an interest over a part unit would exist, such an interest shall be extinguished. Subsection (9) provides that if the freehold interest in part of a unit is transferred the part transferred will become a new commonhold unit, unless the commonhold association allow it to become part of a unit specified in the request for consent under subsection (2)(c). The commonhold community statement may require new units created in this way to be registered (subsection 10).

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