Leaseholders can challenge unreasonable service charges at the First-tier Tribunal. Here is how to ask for a breakdown, get free advice, and where we fit in.
Direct answer
If you are a leaseholder and your service charge seems too high or unfair, you can challenge it. Service charges must be reasonable by law. We do not handle service-charge disputes on their own, but for free advice contact the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE). For repairs your freeholder has ignored, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
What the law says
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (section 19), service charges must be:
- Reasonable in amount.
- For work done to a reasonable standard.
- Properly consulted on if it is "qualifying works" over £250 per leaseholder (section 20 consultation).
If they are not, you can take the matter to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
How to challenge
- Ask the freeholder or managing agent for a breakdown of the charges.
- Check your lease for what they are allowed to charge for.
- Get advice. LEASE (Leasehold Advisory Service) gives free, government-funded advice.
- If you cannot resolve it, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It is much cheaper than court.
What we can help with
If your freeholder or managing agent is ignoring repairs to the building (the roof, the structure, shared parts), that is disrepair. See my management company will not fix repairs and can you help leaseholders. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
- Section 18, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (service charges) (legislation.gov.uk)
- Section 20, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (consultation) (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 28 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
Related guides
Complete guide to housing disrepair claims in England and Wales
Everything tenants need to know about housing disrepair claims. The law, your rights, the process, evidence, compensation, deadlines, and what to do step by step.
Read
Do I need a solicitor for a housing disrepair claim?
You do not strictly need a solicitor, but doing it yourself is slow and the awards are smaller. Here is the honest comparison, and how we make the bigger route work with no upfront cost to you.
Read
What is no win, no fee? (housing disrepair, plain English)
No win, no fee explained: how it works, what comes out of your compensation, and what happens if you lose. Plain English, no jargon.
Read
Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.