Service charges for leaseholders
Chapters in this video (37 mins)
This webinar is designed to help leaseholders understand their rights and responsibilities regarding service charges. It explained what service charges are, what they typically cover, and how they are calculated. The session also explored the legal framework governing service charges, including lease terms and relevant legislation such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Learn how to interpret your lease, understand annual budgets and accounts, and identify when charges may be unreasonable or challengeable. It outlined the process for disputing service charges, including taking a case to the First-tier Tribunal, and offers practical advice on how to engage with landlords and managing agents. It also considered the current government proposed changes to strengthen leaseholder protections over charges and services.
Speaker:
- Blase Lambert, Confederation of Co-operative Housing
Closed captions are enabled.
Links
Section 18 – meaning of ‘service charges’ and ‘relevant costs’
Section 19 – limitation of service charges: reasonableness
Section 20 – limitation of service charges: consultation
Section 20A - limitation of service charges: grant-aided works (balance only)
Section 20B - limitation of service charges: time limit (18 months)
Section 20C - limitation of service charges: cost of proceedings
Section 20D - limitation of service charges: remediation works
Section 20F – excluded costs for higher-risk buildings (Building Safety Act 2022 Part 4)
Section 20J – non-litigation costs of enfranchisement
Section 20K – non-participating tenants and prohibited amounts
Section 21 – service charge information
Section 21A – Withholding service charges – maximum amount
Section 21B – Notice to accompany demands for service charges
Section 22 – requests to inspect supporting accounts
Section 23 – requests for information held by superior landlords