Commonhold Community Statement (CCS)
The constitution of a commonhold building, replacing the traditional individual lease.
The Commonhold Community Statement (CCS) is the foundational governing document for a commonhold building. It is a single, public document registered at HM Land Registry that defines how the building is managed, how costs are shared, and what rules residents must follow.
In a commonhold transition, the CCS replaces the individual leases of every flat in the block.
Key Functions of the CCS
1. Defining "Units" vs. "Common Parts"
The CCS provides a precise map of the building. It defines exactly where a resident's Unit (the flat) ends and the Common Parts (structure, roof, hallways, gardens) begin. This eliminates the "consent traps" found in leases where landlords own the window frames or floorboards.
2. The Budget & Contributions
Unlike a leasehold where a landlord "estimates" costs, the CCS mandates a standardised budget process:
- Annual Plan: The Commonhold Association must produce an annual budget.
- Approval: Unit owners vote on the budget before major spending occurs.
- Apportionment: The CCS specifies the exact percentage of the building's expenses each unit must pay (e.g., 1/15th).
3. Local Rules ("The Rulebook")
The CCS contains the "house rules" regarding noise, pets, short-term lets, and alterations.
- Democratic Change: These rules can be changed by a vote of the residents, meaning you are no longer bound by "Victorian" lease clauses written decades ago.
- Standardisation: Large parts of the CCS are mandated by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, ensuring it is a "solicitor-friendly" document that makes selling your home faster.
The 2026 Reforms: Flexibility for Shared Owners
Under the Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill (2026), the CCS has been updated to support mixed-tenure buildings.
Previously, every unit had to be 100% freehold. The new "Flex-CCS" model allows Shared Ownership to exist within the commonhold structure. The CCS now explicitly outlines:
- How voting rights are delegated to shared owners.
- How Southern Housing (as an equity partner) is prevented from outvoting residents on day-to-day management issues.
RTM vs. CCS: The Power Shift
| Feature | Right to Manage (RTM) | Commonhold (CCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Articles of Association | Commonhold Community Statement |
| Legal Basis | Contractual (Lease) | Statutory (Freehold) |
| Alterations | Need Landlord's Consent | Follow CCS Local Rules |
| Dispute Resolution | FTT (Expensive/Slow) | Internal CCS Procedure (Fast) |
Why it matters for Odyssey House
Moving to a CCS means deleting Southern Housing's "Administration Fees" for things like pet permissions or home improvements. Once the CCS is registered, the residents are the only authority that matters.
Related Terms
- Commonhold Association: The company that enforces the CCS.
- Unit Owner: The person who owns the freehold of a flat subject to the CCS.
- Local Rules: The specific sub-clauses in a CCS tailored to our building.