OFSI issues General Licence for Ground Rent and Service Charge Payments

OFSI has issued the Ground Rent and Service Charge Payments General Licence (INT/2026/10050568).

The General Licence permits designated persons (DPs), or persons acting on their behalf, to make payments to a UK bank account held by a landlord, managing agent, or a person acting on behalf of a landlord for ground rent, service charges and certain late payment fees relating to an eligible lease of a relevant property in England or Wales.

The General Licence also permits landlords, managing agents and persons acting on their behalf to receive such payments and, where applicable, transfer funds to a superior landlord or hold overpayments as credit towards future liabilities.

The General Licence does not permit any payments to be made to DPs.

The General Licence INT/2026/10050568 takes effect from 12 October 2026 and expires at 23:59 on 11 October 2027. Those relying on the licence must comply with its conditions, reporting obligations and record-keeping requirements.

The General Licence:

and the Publication Notice: