Leasehold Valuation Tribunal
The LVT acts as an independent arbitrator to decide whether service charges are reasonable.
The tribunal can help with disagreements about:
- Insuring the building
- How much you are being asked to pay for service charges
- The quality of services you have received
At the tribunal, a panel of 3 people, normally a lawyer, valuer and a layperson will hear the case. It usually includes an inspection of the property and can take one or two days.
Following the hearing, the tribunal will send out its written decision to the company and the leaseholder. The decision will either change the amount the leaseholder has to pay, by more or less, or will agree with the company's charges or valuations.
What will a tribunal cost?
Initially, there is an application fee which can vary between £300 and £500.
The LVT doesn't have the power to award costs, so if you decide to employ professionals such as surveyors or solicitor to help your case, you will have to cover the costs of their bills yourself.
You can find out more about LVT's [external website] or by contacting the Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS) National Helpline [external website]