Why is the leasehold system often criticised?

The leasehold system faces criticism primarily because extreme cases of landlord abuse tend to attract media attention, which fosters a general sense of distrust amongst leaseholders. High-profile incidents can lead to negative perceptions of landlords, suggesting that such abuses might be commonplace rather than isolated incidents. This coverage can skew public awareness and lead to a belief that all landlords might engage in similarly unfavorable practices, even when many adhere to ethical standards.

Publicized cases often highlight issues such as neglect, unreasonably high service charges, or poor communication, which can amplify frustration among leaseholders. This distrust can overshadow the benefits of the leasehold system and create a challenging atmosphere for both landlords and tenants in managing their relationships and expectations effectively. Hence, due to this impact of extreme cases on public perception, the leasehold system faces criticism and scrutiny.