A new report from the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) reveals that Section 20 consultations, which establish a legal requirement for landlords to consult leaseholders before starting major works, are being ‘routinely ignored’.
The report from the government-funded advisory body illustrates leaseholders’ challenges with Section 20 consultations, which account for one in 10 direct enquiries to LEASE.
Although leaseholders are responsible for the costs of major works, nearly a third (31%) of enquiries were related to concerns about landlords failing to follow the mandatory Section 20 consultation process. One in seven (15%) of the 28,000 requests analysed for the report were related to landlords seeking exemptions altogether, leaving leaseholders with little say or no say in the significant costs they pay.
Other common complaints included landlords obstructing leaseholders from accessing information, deliberately vague descriptions of work, and the provision of an overwhelming amount of technical information with the intention of discouraging scrutiny.
‘The misuse of the provision to dispense consultations, with major works being undertaken without the Section 20 process being followed, is a major concern’, LEASE said.
The report also identifies leaseholders’ concerns with the monetary limits that trigger the Section 20 process, which were set over 20 years ago at £250 for one-off works and £100 for ongoing services.
‘This is increasing the number of consultations, which leaseholders describe as counterproductive and unnecessary’, the report notes.
Chair of LEASE Martin Boyd added:
“Although leaseholders see the value in a process to consult them about major works on their property, it is clear there are fundamental issues with the current consultation process and many landlords are acting with impunity.
“With current legislation favouring landlords and making it difficult for leaseholders to challenge those who obstruct or circumnavigate Section 20 consultations, leaseholders tell us they do not feel they have the power or resources to dispute. The Government needs to ensure the system is fair for all parties. We have provided these insights to the Government as part of its current consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections on charges and services.”
The government’s consultation on leaseholder protection is open until 26 September and can be completed at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-leaseholder-protections-over-charges-and-services-consultation
The LEASE report can be seen in full at www.lease-advice.org/files/2025/07/LEASE-insights-1.pdf
