All Legal Journeys
Housing Law
England & Wales
4 stages
6–12 months
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Leasehold service charge dispute journey
Challenge unreasonable service charges in the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Who Uses This Journey
Leaseholders disputing the amount or reasonableness of service charges demanded by their landlord/managing agent.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Request itemised breakdown
Under s.21 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, leaseholders can request a summary of costs. Use this to identify problematic items.
2
2
Pre-action correspondence
Write to landlord setting out which items you dispute and why.
3
3
Apply to the Tribunal
Use Form LRE under s.27A LTA 1985 to ask the FTT to determine reasonableness. Fees £100 application + £200 hearing.
Forms at This Stage
4
4
Tribunal hearing
Surveyor + judge panel. Both sides submit evidence on cost reasonableness.