First-tier Tribunal
Start with the decision you need the tribunal to make.
The Property Chamber has jurisdiction over defined residential-property matters. The form, parties, evidence, fee, directions and costs position depend on the application, not simply on the fact that there is a leasehold dispute.
Before applying
Frame the question inside the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Which determination or order is needed?
Examples include service or administration charges, management matters, lease variation, dispensation, RTM and enfranchisement. Each has its own legal test.
Who must be an applicant or respondent?
Use the leases, titles, company and management structure to identify the parties. An agent may hold evidence without being the legal respondent.
Which form and precondition apply?
Use the current HMCTS form finder and guidance. Some applications require notices, consultation, prior steps or a live statutory deadline.
Can the tribunal grant what you want?
Separate a determination, appointment, variation, dispensation or cost-limiting order from remedies that belong in a court or another forum.
Build the case
A bundle is a route through the evidence, not an inbox export.
State the issue and remedy precisely
Connect each question to the relevant lease wording, statutory route, dates and disputed amount or decision.
Use complete, legible source records
Include the executed lease, relevant notices, demands, accounts, invoices, reports, correspondence and decisions without hiding unhelpful material.
Separate facts, evidence and argument
Say who knows each fact, where the supporting document sits and which points are inference or legal submission.
Treat every direction as a live control
Record owners and dates for service, statements, expert evidence, bundles, hearing arrangements and fees.
Record any agreement clearly
A negotiated result may still need a consent order or another formal step. Do not assume an email exchange disposes of the proceedings.
Fees and costs
Do not describe the tribunal as near-zero risk.
Use the current form and fee table
Property Chamber fees changed on 13 July 2026. The applicable application and hearing fee depends on the case type, and Help with Fees may be available.
Budget for preparation and professional help
Time, valuation, expert and legal costs can exceed the tribunal fee even when a party represents itself at the hearing.
Costs powers and conduct still matter
The tribunal has defined costs powers, including in cases of unreasonable conduct. The test and amount depend on the rules and case.
Check whether legal costs may be charged elsewhere
A landlord may seek to recover legal costs through a lease or administration charge. Applications to limit recovery have their own statutory routes.
A decision is not reopened by disagreement
Permission, forum and deadlines apply to appeals. Read the decision and current appeal guidance promptly.
Sources for this page
Open the law and guidance yourself.
The current HMCTS overview of Property Chamber jurisdictions and application routes.
↗Official formsResidential Property formsThe current form collection for leasehold management, RTM, lease variation, dispensation and other applications.
↗Official guidanceService charges and management matters T541Current guidance on applications, evidence, directions, hearing and the tribunal process.
↗Current feesJuly 2026 court and tribunal fee updateThe Ministry of Justice announcement of the revised Property Chamber fee framework from 13 July 2026.
↗Tribunal rulesRule 13: orders for costsThe tribunal's current costs power, including wasted costs and unreasonable conduct.
↗Links and current-law position checked 18 August 2026. Apply the governing documents, building facts and current law to the case in front of you.
