The variety of types of tenancy and ownership on the estate is a relatively recent phenomenon. Until 1985, almost all residents were tenants who had either short (8-year) contractual leases with responsibility for internal repairs or periodic weekly, monthly or quarterly tenancies under which the landlord was responsible for repairs. Both types were protected tenants À protected by the Rent Acts, which gave them security of tenure and the right to a •fair rentê, which was lower than a market rent.

In 1985, three houses (4, 5 and 6) in Trinity Church Square were converted by a developer into a block of flats and sold on long leaseholds of 85 years. Trinity House retained the freehold and the block was managed by the estateês then managing agents, Drivers Jonas. This move was followed by similar developments of blocks as adjacent houses became vacant at 9À11, 45À47 and 59À63 Trinity Church Square. Most recently, an ambitious scheme has seen the conversion of the former Wallins tin box factory into flats and houses for sale on long leasehold at 26 and 28 Cole Street and Horsemongers Mews. This part of the estate is not managed by Cluttons.

With the shorter leases, a significant change occurred with the Housing Act 1988. Since 1989 it has not been possible to create new protected tenancies, although current protected tenants retain their rights. The Act introduced two new types of tenancy: assured tenancies, which have security of tenure, and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), which do not. Both types have market rents. Drivers Jonas issued some 9-year assured tenancies with internal repairing conditions similar to the 8-year protected tenancies. However, under Cluttonsê management, all new lettings have been ASTs, under which the landlords are responsible for repairs. Usually flats or houses are renovated and carpeted before being let on ASTs for terms of one year or more.

Another recent change has been the sale of single houses, either for improvement by the purchasers, as with 40, 41 and 42 Trinity Church Square, or after refurbishment by the landlords. These purchasers become freehold owners, but Trinity House continue to assure us that they wish to retain the estate as a whole.

The current balance of tenancies and ownership on the estate is approximately: 90 protected tenancies, 40 assured tenancies, 90 ASTs, 70 long leaseholds and 6 freeholds.

Help and advice from TNRA
TNRA gives advice and assistance to residents with all types of tenancies and leases. Here are some of the topics on which we may be able to help:

Protected tenants

• registered rents
• Rent Assessment Committee representation
• dilapidations when leaving a property
• succession when tenant dies

Assured tenants (9-year leases)

• market rent levels
• rent negotiations
• end of leases

Assured shorthold tenants

• market rents
• rent negotiations
• internal repairs

Long leaseholders

• management charges and accounts
• reserve fund
• extending leases
• purchasing freehold

If there is a topic on which you think we could usefully advise you and other tenants, please contact a member of the TNRA committee.