The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — often still referred to by leaseholders as the LVT — hears disputes between leaseholders and landlords in England. Wales has a separate tribunal structure for similar matters.
What the tribunal can decide
- Whether service charges are payable and reasonable
- Administration charges
- Appointment of a manager
- Approval of a freehold sale (Right of First Refusal)
- Lease extension premiums
- Some Section 20 dispensation requests
Possession or forfeiture claims are usually handled in the county court, not the tribunal.
How proceedings work
- You complete the relevant application form and pay a fee
- The other party responds
- The tribunal may decide on paper, by video, or at an in-person hearing
- You can represent yourself, but complex cases benefit from legal advice
Outcomes and appeals
The tribunal's decision is binding. Either side may appeal to the Upper Tribunal on a point of law — not simply because they disagree with the outcome. Orders can include declarations about what is payable, directions for accounts, or appointment of a manager.
Practical tip:
Bring organised evidence — your lease, service charge demands, correspondence, Section 20 notices, and invoices. MyEstateHub helps you keep that record; the tribunal is where it may be tested.