Who is typically responsible for the maintenance of common areas in a leasehold property?

In leasehold properties, the maintenance of common areas is generally the responsibility of a property management company. This is because common areas such as hallways, gardens, and recreational facilities require ongoing maintenance and upkeep that goes beyond what individual leaseholders or tenants can reasonably manage themselves. A property management company is equipped with the necessary expertise, resources, and structure to ensure that these areas are maintained to a standard that benefits all residents.

The property management company typically operates under the direction of the freeholder or managing agents, coordinating maintenance schedules, dealing with contractors, and managing budgets related to these services. This delegation helps streamline maintenance processes and ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Individual leaseholders generally focus on the maintenance of their own units and may have different obligations depending on their lease agreements. Similarly, tenants renting from leaseholders do not have responsibility for maintaining common areas, as this would typically fall under the remit of the leaseholder or the management company. The freeholder may have an overarching role in setting policies but often relies on the property management company to handle day-to-day maintenance duties.