Leasehold reform: Minister criticises FirstPort fees

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A senior minister has expressed serious concerns about FirstPort’s management of leasehold properties nationwide.
Residents have complained about high charges, delayed repairs, and aggressive debt collection practices repeatedly.

Westminster has grown increasingly frustrated with FirstPort and other leasehold management companies.
The unregulated leasehold market has been described as a “wild west” by Minister Pennycook.

Pennycook is preparing a draft bill that could effectively end the traditional leasehold system.
He recently met Martin King, FirstPort’s managing director, to raise concerns about ongoing complaints.

In a follow-up letter, the minister stated he remained unconvinced by FirstPort’s responses to issues.
His concerns included unexplained service charge increases and unclear management fee allocations for residents.

Other problems cited were slow complaint handling and troubling debt collection methods affecting leaseholders.
A FirstPort spokesperson said the company had made improvements and actively supports broader sector reform.

Owned by French private equity firm Emeria, FirstPort manages roughly 6,000 sites across the United Kingdom.
The company charges leaseholders fees for managing buildings on behalf of property freeholders directly.

Complaints against FirstPort have become a frequent focus of urban MPs in parliament over recent years.
MPs recently held a hearing to hear grievances from frustrated residents across several regions.

David George, a Manchester leaseholder, suffered repeated flooding and roof damage for several years.
Despite persistent petitions, FirstPort delayed repairs, forcing residents to spend significant amounts on legal fees.

Sheyba Jani described unresolved fire alarm repairs, persistent basement flooding, and malfunctioning lifts in Swindon.
Chia-Yen Ho reported regular flooding, damp, and mould problems at her 304-apartment complex.

Peter Larwood in Cardiff Bay withheld payments for uncompleted repairs, receiving repeated letters with £95 charges.

Rachel Blake, Labour MP, stated that leaseholders deserve transparency, timely repairs, and clear accountability from managers.

FirstPort said it takes residents’ complaints seriously and aims to resolve issues as efficiently as possible.
The company highlighted investments in training, new systems, and performance improvements over the past year.

Pennycook’s forthcoming draft bill will ban the sale of new leasehold flats and simplify property conversions.
He also launched a consultation on transparent service charges and licensing requirements for property managers.

Reforming the leasehold system remains a priority to ensure fairness, accountability, and protection for all residents.