Consumers of members’ services will ultimately have an independent and relevant authority to whom to complain if the agreed service levels are not adhered to. ALEP also provides a unified voice for practitioners in leasehold enfranchisement in operational and regulatory matters affecting the sector.

Residential leaseholders in England and Wales have various rights in law to purchase their freeholds, extend their leases and address unsatisfactory management of their properties.

There is a wide range of information and sources of advice to leaseholders from a range of parties operating in the enfranchisement sector such as government bodies, firms of solicitors, valuers, managing agents, intermediaries/agents and managers of leasehold enfranchisement.

Many leaseholders are confused by the choices available to them and have not had the inclination or perseverance to exercise their rights in conjunction with their neighbours. Some of these parties have recognised this opportunity and established services to assist leaseholders in the management of enfranchisement projects.

Our objectives are:

1. To promote best practice among members through an evolving code of practice .

2. To assure potential clients of member organisations that their interests will be looked after and that such organisations possess sufficient knowledge, intent and capacity to provide a satisfactory service.

3. To provide an avenue for recourse for dissatisfied clients of member organisations by means of an effective independent complaints procedure .

4. To act as a forum for member organisations for the exchange of ideas and to increase standards throughout the sector.

5. To represent members’ interests to government, the press, other associations and the general public.

ALEP has been set up as a professional association and is listed in the current Directory of British Associations, which can be consulted in most reference libraries.