Leasehold Dispute Solicitors

Types of leasehold dispute we handle

Leasehold disputes come in several forms. Here are the ones we deal with most often.

Service charge disputes

If you think you are being charged more than is reasonable, or have not been given a proper breakdown of costs, you have the right to challenge it. We help leaseholders dispute unreasonable or unexplained service charges and, where needed, take the matter to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Read more about service charge dispute solicitors.

Lease extensions

Most leaseholders have the right to extend their lease, but getting the process and cost right without advice is hard, particularly given ongoing reform in this area. We advise on statutory and informal lease extensions from start to finish. Read more about lease extension solicitors.

Right to manage

Right to manage lets leaseholders take over the management of their building from the freeholder, without having to prove any fault. We advise leaseholders and right to manage companies on eligibility, the notice process and what happens once management transfers. Read more about right to manage solicitors.

Collective enfranchisement

Collective enfranchisement is the right for a group of leaseholders to buy the freehold of their building together. It is a powerful right but a complex process, involving valuation, notices and often negotiation with a reluctant freeholder. Read more about leasehold enfranchisement.

Lease forfeiture

Forfeiture is one of the most serious steps a freeholder can take, and in the worst cases can mean losing your home. If you have been threatened with forfeiture or received a forfeiture notice or section 146 notice, get advice immediately. Read more about forfeiture of a residential lease.

Landlord disrepair and breach of lease

Leases place obligations on both sides. If your freeholder is failing to maintain the building, or you are being accused of breaching your own lease obligations, we can advise on your position and the remedies available. Read more about housing disrepair claims.

Management and administration disputes

Disagreements over how a building is managed, from poor communication to disputed decisions by a management company, can often be resolved without litigation. We help leaseholders understand their rights and push for change where a managing agent or freeholder is falling short.

How a leasehold dispute is resolved

Most leasehold disputes do not end up in court. The usual route is:

1. Raise the issue directly with your freeholder or managing agent, in writing, setting out your concerns clearly.
2. Try to negotiate or mediate a resolution. Many disputes settle at this stage once the other side sees a properly argued position.
3. Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if agreement cannot be reached. This is a specialist tribunal for exactly this kind of dispute, and is generally faster and less formal than court.
4. Go to court, which is usually reserved for matters the tribunal cannot deal with, such as forfeiture proceedings.

We aim to resolve disputes at the earliest possible stage, but will fight your case through to a hearing where that is what it takes to protect your position.

What does a leasehold dispute solicitor do?

A leasehold dispute solicitor advises leaseholders on their rights under their lease and under leasehold law, and represents them in disputes with freeholders, landlords or managing agents. This can mean anything from writing a letter challenging a charge, to representing you at a First-tier Tribunal hearing, to advising a group of leaseholders through a collective enfranchisement claim. The right solicitor will know the relevant legislation, understand how the tribunal approaches these cases, and be able to tell you early on whether your dispute is one worth pursuing.

Leasehold law is changing

Leasehold law has been going through significant reform, including changes introduced by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 affecting service charges, lease extensions and enfranchisement, with further changes proposed under a future Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The detail of what is and is not yet in force can be complicated, and depends on your specific circumstances. We keep track of these changes so you do not have to, and will tell you where the current law stands when you speak to us.

Why choose Osbornes

Our property litigation team is led by partner Shilpa Mathuradas. We are members of ALEP and contribute editorial commentary to News on the Block, the leasehold sector publication.

Speak to a leasehold dispute solicitor today

If you are facing a dispute with your freeholder or managing agent, call us on 020 7485 8811 or fill in the contact form below to speak to one of our leasehold dispute solicitors.