Leasehold Valuation Tribunal
What is a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal?
The Residential Property Tribunal Service administers Leasehold Valuation Tribunals (LVTs). They are an independent tribunal that has powers to resolve disputes between leaseholders and their landlords. Both landlords and leaseholders can approach the LVT for help. The LVT has powers to make decisions on a number of issues:
- Whether service charge costs are reasonable.
- Whether services are of a reasonable standard.
- Whether repairs have been carried out to a reasonable standard.
- Whether specifications for future repairs are reasonable.
- Whether the insurance provided is reasonable and a fair cost.
- What the value is of the freehold in cases of enfranchisement.
- What the value is of an extension to a lease.
The group is usually made up of three members – a lawyer, a surveyor and a member of the public. Someone who pays a service charge or a landlord can apply to the LVT to confirm that a charge is reasonable.
How can the LVT help me?
If you think the cost of a service is unreasonable, you should first talk to your housing office or use our complaints procedure. If the matter cannot be settled, you can apply to the LVT. There is an application fee of up to £500 but this can be shared if you are making a group application with your neighbours.
Applying to the LVT
You must first fill in an application form saying what charges or services you have a problem with. Please contact the Residential Property Tribunal Service for an application form.
Residential Property Tribunal Service
10 Alfred Place
London WC1E 7LR
Phone: 020 7446 7700
Fax: 020 7637 1250
email: london.rap@odpm.gsi.gov.uk
When the LVT receives your application form, it will send you an invoice for the first part of the fee (this is a flat fee which is currently £150). Before the hearing, the LVT will send you another invoice for the rest of the fee.
You should tell your housing office that you have made an application.
What happens after I send an application?
Step one – Review before the trial
When the LVT gets your application, a member of the LVT group will look at your form and may set a date for a review before the trial. You and we will be told 21 days before this date. Both sides should go to the review as it gives both sides the chance to settle the matter before going to a full LVT hearing. You do not have to have a legal person present such as a solicitor or barrister – you can explain your own case. However, in some cases it may be a good idea to hire a professional to help you but this may cost you money.
Step two – Full LVT hearing
The LVT will set a date for a full hearing of the case. Sometimes, the LVT will want to inspect the building or area in question. The visit will normally be made on the morning of the full LVT hearing. Both sides should go on this inspection. At the hearing, both sides will speak about the case so that the LVT members can make a decision.
Step three – Decision by the LVT
After the full hearing the LVT will make a decision and write to both sides.
Step four – Appeal
If you or we do not agree with the LVT’s decision, you can make an appeal to the Lands Tribunal. The LVT must first agree to this. The appeal must be made to the LVT within 21 days of getting the LVT’s decision.