What it is, what it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect.
Information only. Not legal advice.
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the place leaseholders and freeholders go when they cannot agree on something your lease or the law covers.
It is not a court. There are no wigs. It is closer to a structured meeting with a legally qualified panel.
What it handles: Service charge disputes, lease extension valuations, right to manage applications, appointment of a manager, and breach of covenant claims.
What leaseholders say: Most who attend say the same thing: "I wish I had done this sooner."
You have a dispute that fits one of these. The Tribunal can help resolve it.
Your freeholder or agent won't provide accounts, charges seem unreasonable, or they won't explain costs. Apply under Section 27A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
You and the freeholder can't agree on the premium after serving a Section 42 notice. Either party can apply.
Your RTM company needs to apply if the freeholder disputes your right. The Tribunal decides eligibility.
Your managing agent is failing. Leaseholders can apply to replace them under Section 24 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
You've been charged for consenting to alterations, subletting, or other lease permissions. You can challenge if charges are unreasonable.
From application to decision. This is what to expect.
Have you written to the freeholder? Have you set deadlines? The Tribunal will expect you to have tried to resolve this first.
At gov.uk. The form takes about 30 minutes. You will need your address, lease details, and a summary of the dispute.
£100 for most applications. £200 for some. This is refundable if you win.
Both parties submit written statements, correspondence, accounts, valuations. The Tribunal sets a deadline for each side.
Usually 1 to 3 hours. You can represent yourself. Most leaseholders do. The panel asks questions. It is structured but not adversarial.
Usually within 4 to 6 weeks. Written, reasoned, and binding.
The Tribunal is designed to be accessible. Costs are capped and predictable.
£100 to £200 depending on case type. Refundable if you win.
You will not pay their legal fees or costs. Unlike court, each party bears their own costs. This is the biggest difference.
You do not need one. Many leaseholders represent themselves successfully. If you do use one, expect £1,000 to £5,000 depending on complexity.
The Tribunal can order refund of unreasonable charges, adjust the lease extension premium, or appoint a new manager.
You will feel nervous. This is normal. The panel is used to unrepresented parties and will guide you.
It happens in a meeting room, not a courtroom. Some hearings are now remote (video call).
Usually 2 to 3 people. A legally qualified chair plus a surveyor or other specialist.
You present your case, the other side presents theirs. The panel asks questions throughout.
Bring all your evidence in a bundle. Organised chronologically. Three copies if in person.
Be factual, not emotional. The panel wants evidence, not opinions.
LEASE (the Leasehold Advisory Service) offers free, independent advice to leaseholders on all Tribunal matters. They can help you decide whether to apply and what to expect.
Get free advice from LEASE →Know exactly what yours says before you apply. Upload it to LEASE-iQ and ask any question about your rights or obligations.
Try LEASE-iQ free →