14. Commonhold Community Statement
A commonhold community statement (CCS) is a legal document that sets out the rights, obligations, and rules governing a commonhold development. It serves as the governing document for the commonhold association and provides important information about the management, maintenance, and use of the commonhold property. The CCS is a key component of the commonhold ownership structure and is designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability among commonhold unit owners.
Contents of a Commonhold Community Statement
| Description of property | The CCS typically includes a description of the commonhold property, including details of the individual units, common areas, and any shared facilities or amenities. |
| Rights and responsibilities | It outlines the rights and responsibilities of commonhold unit owners, including their obligations to contribute to the maintenance and management of the property and their entitlements to use common areas and facilities. |
| Management and decision-making | The CCS sets out the procedures for managing the commonhold property, including the establishment and operation of the commonhold association, the conduct of meetings, and the decision-making processes for resolving disputes and making decisions affecting the property. |
| Service charges and contributions | It specifies the basis for calculating service charges and commonhold contributions payable by unit owners, including details of how these charges are determined, collected, and used to fund maintenance and management activities. |
| Rules and regulations | The CCS may contain rules and regulations governing the use and enjoyment of the commonhold property, such as restrictions on alterations to individual units, noise levels, pets, and other matters that affect the quality of life for residents. |
| Amendment procedures | It outlines the procedures for amending the CCS, including the requirements for obtaining consent from unit owners and registering any proposed changes with the relevant authorities. |
Obtaining a Commonhold Community Statement
- Request from the commonhold association: The commonhold association is responsible for maintaining and providing access to the CCS. Unit owners can request a copy of the CCS from the commonhold association or its managing agent.
- Reviewing title deeds: The CCS is typically included as part of the title deeds for each commonhold unit. Unit owners can review their title deeds to obtain a copy of the CCS associated with their property.
- Land Registry: The Land Registry or other relevant land registry authority may also hold a copy of the CCS for the commonhold property. Unit owners can search the Land Registry records or contact the Land Registry to obtain a copy of the CCS.
- Legal advisors: If unit owners encounter difficulties obtaining a copy of the CCS or require assistance understanding its contents, they may seek advice from legal advisors specialising in property law or commonhold matters.
By obtaining and reviewing the CCS, commonhold unit owners can gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the rules and regulations governing their commonhold property. It is important for unit owners to familiarise themselves with the contents of the CCS to ensure compliance and harmonious living within the commonhold community.