Leasehold Dispute Forms UK: Tribunal Applications Guide

What this document is

A leasehold management dispute application is a formal request to a tribunal asking it to decide a question arising between a landlord and one or more leaseholders under the lease or the relevant legislation. The tribunal has a specific jurisdiction carved out by statutes including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, and the Housing Act 1996.

Rather than going to the county court, parties use the tribunal route for questions such as whether a service charge is reasonable and payable, whether an administration charge is justified, whether a manager should be appointed in place of the landlord, whether the statutory consultation process can be dispensed with, whether a lease can be varied, and whether a breach of covenant has occurred. Each question has its own dedicated form, and the tribunal will only deal with the issues that fall within its jurisdiction.

Getting the right form, with the right evidence attached, is the first step towards a decision that is binding on both sides.

How to use this document

1. Identify the correct form for your dispute. The form you need depends on the question you want decided. Service charge challenges use one form, manager appointments use another, breach of covenant applications use a third, and Right to Manage claims use the RTM form. Picking the wrong form can delay your application or lead to it being rejected, so take time to match the issue to the form. 2. Gather the supporting documents. Before you start filling anything in, pull together a copy of the lease, any service charge demands or administration charge notices, correspondence with the landlord or managing agent, and anything that shows you have tried to resolve matters first. The tribunal expects applicants to come prepared, and missing paperwork usually causes delays. 3. Complete the application accurately. Each form asks for the parties' names and addresses, property details, the nature of the dispute, and the specific order being sought. Be precise about dates, amounts in dispute, and the clauses of the lease you are relying on. Vague applications are harder to progress, and the other side will use any ambiguity to push back. 4. Pay the tribunal fee and submit. A fee normally applies when lodging a leasehold application, and the amount depends on the type of application and sometimes the sum in dispute. Check gov.uk for the current fee. Fee remissions may be available for applicants on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. Submit the form by the route set out in the tribunal's guidance. 5. Prepare for case management and the hearing. Once the application is accepted, the tribunal will issue directions setting out deadlines for statements, evidence bundles and inspections. Missing a direction can damage your case. Read every order carefully, keep copies of everything, and respond within the time limits given.