- Flat owners in England and Wales are set to gain new legal rights to request faster broadband connections as part of reforms to the leasehold system.
- The new right will be introduced within the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which was confirmed in the King's Speech.
- This reform aims to address the common frustration of freeholders unreasonably refusing or delaying gigabit-capable internet installations, affecting over half a million flats.
- Leaseholders will be able to request connections capable of delivering download speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps, with freeholders unable to unreasonably refuse such requests.
- Housing minister Matthew Pennycook stated the Bill marks the beginning of the end for the 'feudal leasehold system' and will also offer protections against unfair ground rent and easier commonhold conversion.
IN FULL
