You must issue a Section 42 Notice to your freeholder to start the process, so if they're unreachable, things can be tricky.  You can apply for a Vesting Order to extend your lease without the freeholder if they're uncontactable. However, for this to happen, you must provide evidence that you've tried contacting the freeholder. This includes doing things like:  Putting up adverts in the local newspaper  Hiring a search agent to find them  Visiting the last known address of the freeholder  Checking the probate records