Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to ensure restrictive leasehold legislation is not a barrier to registered childminding businesses being able to run from their homes.

The terms of a lease will set out whether individual leaseholders are able to start a childminding business in their home, and leaseholders should refer to their lease to determine whether any relevant restrictions apply.

Restrictive terms under the lease may be in place for a number of reasons in residential buildings, including to protect other residents’ rights. Landlords and residents may also be restricted from running businesses from their homes under insurance and mortgage conditions.

Leaseholders may be able to negotiate certain changes to the lease, by varying the lease agreement and they should speak with their landlord in the first instance. Leaseholders can also get free information and initial advice from the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE).