If you’re a leaseholder in the UK looking to extend your lease, you’ll quickly come across the term Section 42 Notice. It’s one of the most important documents in the statutory lease extension process, and ensuring it is drafted and served correctly will determine if your lease extension is successful.
At The Lease Extension Company, we specialise in guiding leaseholders through the entire process from start to finish – from the valuation to completion. Here’s everything you need to know about what a Section 42 Notice is, why it matters, and how it fits into your lease extension journey.
Understanding the Section 42 Notice
A Section 42 Notice is a formal legal document that a qualifying leaseholder serves on their freeholder (or landlord) to start the statutory lease extension process under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993. Due to the legal complexities of this process, it is best practice and to protect your interests as the leaseholder that a qualified specialist solicitor does this on your behalf.
Once served, the notice formally triggers your right to extend your lease by an additional 90 years and reduce your ground rent to zero (a “peppercorn rent”).
To ensure the S42 notice is valid, the notice should be carefully drafted and checked by a specialist solicitor.
The notice must contain key details, including:
- The full name and address of the leaseholder.
- The property address and title number.
- The proposed premium (price) you are offering for the lease extension
- The terms you are seeking for the new lease.
- The name and address of your appointed solicitor or legal representative.
If any details are incorrect or missing, the notice could be deemed invalid — restarting the process and potentially costing you both time and money.
Why the Section 42 Notice Matters
Serving a Section 42 Notice is the first formal step in securing your statutory lease extension. It locks in your legal rights and fixes the valuation date — the date your lease length and property value are assessed for calculation of your premium.
This is particularly important if your lease is approaching 80 years, as serving the notice before the term drops below 80 years allows you to avoid paying marriage value, by freezing your current lease from that point in time — significantly decreasing your premium cost to the freeholder.
The notice also sets strict timelines for both parties:
The freeholder must respond with a Section 45 Counter-Notice within just over two months.
If required, negotiations will then begin, with both sides working towards agreeing the premium and lease terms.
In short, the Section 42 Notice is the formal start of your statutory protection — ensuring your lease extension follows a clear, legally binding process.
How the LEC ensures a correct and efficient Serving Process.
At The Lease Extension Company, we take care of every detail for you. Once your valuation has been completed by one of our specialist RICS-regulated, ALEP-accredited surveyors, our specialist solicitors prepare and serve your Section 42 Notice on your behalf.
Our team ensures:
✅ Every legal requirement is met
✅ The correct premium figure is included based on expert valuation
✅ The notice is served accurately and on time
✅ Your rights are fully protected throughout the process
Overseeing the entire statutory timeline — from receiving the Section 45 Counter-Notice to negotiating the premium, agreeing terms, approving the draft lease, and completing your extension.
With our money-saving fixed-fee service, you can rest assured that every stage is handled transparently and professionally, without unexpected legal costs.
When to Serve Your Section 42 Notice
If your lease has fewer than 90 years remaining, it’s time to start the process. Acting early ensures:
✅ You avoid paying marriage value (if under 80 years)
✅ You protect your property’s value
✅ You maintain control over your extension costs and timescales
Because the notice fixes the valuation date, serving it early — before your lease drops further — can save you thousands of pounds.
Key Takeaway
A Section 42 Notice is the formal foundation of your lease extension.
Serving it correctly and at the right time gives you legal protection, locks in your valuation date, and ensures your extension follows the statutory framework.
At The Lease Extension Company, we make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
From valuation to completion, our experts handle every step with precision and care — so you can focus on enjoying your home, not worrying about legal paperwork.
Speak with a member of our team today.
Simply fill out our online Contact Form, send us an Email
via [email protected] or call us for free on 0800 098 2770.
