Can I control what the leaseholders store in their garages?

It is very difficult for the freeholder of a coach house property, to control or manage what a leaseholder of one of the garages stores in their garage.

Being the freeholder is often referred to as being the landlord of the garages – however this isn’t strictly correct terminology. The freeholder doesn’t get to choose the tenants/leaseholders of the garage, doesn’t enter into any tenancy agreements with the leaseholder, and doesn’t have any rights to inspect the garage.

The Leaseholders tittle deeds will specify that they are not permitted to install any electrics into the garage or plumbing, and are only to store an insured motor vehicle. If a leaseholder breaks away from this guidance it is a civil matter, and not a criminal one.

A freeholder’s title deed will detail that they can have electrics, and plumbing as required – and also store contents in the garage if they wish. Coach House insurance will cover the contents of the garage for the freeholder only. The contents of a leaseholders garage will not be covered – therefor stored at the leaseholders own risk.