Guides › Rent and Deposits › Leasehold Service Charges Too High
Leasehold Service Charges Too High
If you are a leaseholder, you can ask for a summary showing how your service charge is worked out and what it is spent on, and see receipts. For planned work costing over £250, you must be consulted. If you think a charge is unreasonable, you may be able to apply to a tribunal.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights as a Leaseholder
Information
You can ask for a summary showing how the service charge is worked out and what it is spent on, and see any paperwork supporting it, such as receipts. source
Consultation and Challenge
You must be consulted about planned work costing over £250. If you think a charge is unreasonable, you may be able to apply to a tribunal. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- £250Planned work that needs consultationBefore the work goes ahead
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask the landlord or managing agent in writing for a summary of the costs and copies of receipts. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 2 of 5
Check whether you were consulted about any large planned work.
Step 3 of 5
Raise your concerns in writing and keep copies.
Step 4 of 5
If the managing agent is a letting or property manager, use its redress scheme.
Step 5 of 5
If you still think the charge is unreasonable, look at applying to the tribunal.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Landlord or Managing Agent
Always start here, in writing.
The Property Ombudsman
If your managing agent is a member.
Housing Tribunal
If you think a charge is unreasonable.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep every service charge demand and summary: comparing years helps show unusual rises.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/leasehold-property/service-charges-and-other-expenses Checked 13 October 2026