Useful Contacts

Government-funded independent advisory service on leasehold law in England and Wales. Provides free initial advice by telephone and email on service charges, lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, Right to Manage, and the Building Safety Act 2022. LEASE does not act as a solicitor and cannot represent leaseholders in proceedings.

Professional membership body for surveyors and valuers in England and Wales. The RICS website includes a Find a Surveyor directory relevant where a leaseholder needs a specialist valuer for a lease extension premium, a Section 20 major works dispute, or a service charge challenge. RICS members practising in residential property management are subject to the RICS Service Charge Residential Management Code. Complaints against RICS members are handled through RICS professional conduct procedures.

The Health and Safety Executive acts as the Building Safety Regulator under the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher-risk buildings — those 18 metres or seven storeys and above. Responsible for overseeing the new regulatory framework for accountable persons and principal accountable persons in higher-risk buildings. Leaseholders in higher-risk buildings with building safety concerns that are not being addressed through normal channels may report to the Building Safety Regulator.

The FCA regulates insurance firms and insurance intermediaries, including those arranging buildings insurance for residential blocks. Where a leaseholder has concerns about the conduct of insurers or about buildings insurance arranged by a landlord or managing agent — including concerns about undisclosed commissions — the FCA is the relevant regulatory body.

One of the two approved redress schemes for property agents in England, including residential managing agents. A complaint may be referred to the Property Ombudsman once the agent's internal complaints process has been exhausted or has produced a final response. The Ombudsman may award compensation and require changes to practice. The scheme cannot determine or reduce service charges.

The other approved redress scheme for property agents in England. Functions on the same basis as The Property Ombudsman. Whether a managing agent belongs to TPO or PRS depends on their membership; both are government-approved. See Managing Agents for the complaints process.

The statutory tribunal for leasehold disputes in England. Applications for service charge determinations, lease extension valuation disputes, Right to Manage claims, and building safety cost disputes are made through the HMCTS online portal. Current application forms, fees, and regional office contact details are on GOV.UK. Parties may represent themselves. See First-tier Tribunal for the full procedure.

Hears appeals from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) on points of law, with permission. Also has some first-instance jurisdiction, including certain lease variation cases. Permission to appeal must be sought from the First-tier Tribunal in the first instance; if refused, an application may be made to the Upper Tribunal directly.

Not-for-profit organisation providing information and commentary on leasehold issues in England and Wales. Publishes news, analysis, and case summaries on leasehold law developments, reform progress, and significant tribunal and court decisions. LKP does not provide personalised legal advice and is not a statutory body, but maintains a substantive archive covering the development of the leasehold reform programme.