Tenants advised to get together to avoid service charge disputes

One of the best ways to take a preventative approach to service charge dispute is to set up a recognised tenants’ association (RTA) is often the first step residential.

This suggestion to avoid service charge disputes has recently vocalised by the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE), the government-funded free legal advice service. 

LEASE chief executive Tony Essien  says “Things like cleaning, routine maintenance and door entry systems that can, over time,  agitate those living in leasehold properties,”

“It is often the case that, when they speak together as  an RTA, leaseholders can nip many of these problems in the bud. An RTA offers a single  point of contact with those who own and manage their premises.”

Where leasehold owners want to embark on major collective projects like  changing the managing agents, avoid service charges disputes or even buying the freehold, then forming a residents association is the easiest  way of ensuring that everyone is involved and committed before the whole process is begun
It is not always a straightforward process as landlords may not simply grant recognition without any argument. If the landlord does object then private leaseholders can apply to a Rent Assessment Panel (RAP) for recognition. RAPs are part of the Residential Property Tribunal Service, which also  has responsibility for the Leasehold Valuation Tribunals that can adjudicate on a range of leasehold disputes including service charge disputes.