What does the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) do?

The LVT is part of the Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS). They act as an independent arbitrator to decide whether service charges are reasonable. The tribunal can help with the 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 three 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 solicitors to help your case, you will have to cover the cost of their bills yourself. You can find out more about Leasehold Valuation Tribunals at www.lease-advice.org.uk and at www.rpts.gov.uk.

Contacting the Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS)

1^st Floor
5 New York Street
Piccadilly
Manchester
M1 4JB

Tel: 0845 100 2614