Find your best local estate agent Start here
July 24, 2025
A new report from the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) exposes serious problems with how landlords consult leaseholders on major works – and the costly consequences for residents.
The advisory body LEASE, which provides trusted, independent support to leaseholders and park homeowners, today launches its first Insight Report, highlighting leaseholders’ challenges with Section 20 consultations and their widespread concerns over how the process is being managed.
The report shows that Section 20 consultations, a legal requirement for landlords to consult leaseholders before starting major works, is being routinely ignored. Analysis of nearly 28,000 requests to LEASE for direct advice over the last year, shows that Section 20 consultations account for one in ten enquiries, making it one of the most frequent issues leaseholders seek advice on.
Despite leaseholders footing the bill for major works, nearly a third (31%) of enquiries at LEASE raised concerns about landlords failing to follow the mandatory Section 20 consultation process.
One in seven (15%) of enquiries related to landlords seeking exemptions altogether, leaving leaseholders with little say or no say in the significant costs they need to cover.
Common additional complaints included:
The misuse of the provision to dispense consultations, with major works being undertaken without the Section 20 process being followed, is a major concern according to the report.
Martin Boyd, Chair of LEASE commented “While landlords are supposed to face penalties for not completing a Section 20 consultation, a 2013 Supreme Court judgement made it easier for landlords to avoid consulting leaseholders before major works and still make them pay. We believe this judgement is being misused by landlords and driving these complaints from leaseholders. Leaseholders need more power to hold their landlords to account.”
While many of LEASE’s clients agree that Section 20 consultations provide a useful function, the report also spotlights leaseholders’ concerns with the monetary limits that trigger the process. The cost of major works today doesn’t reflect the consultation thresholds set over 20 years ago, which include £250 for one off works and £100 for ongoing services. This low monetary limit is increasing the number of consultations, which leaseholders describe as counterproductive and unnecessary.
LEASE’s insight reports are designed to share and amplify the consumer voice with Government and the sector, highlighting the key trends LEASE is discovering in the consumer experience. In this report, LEASE has shared the following key recommendations:
Martin Boyd continues “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.”
You can read the insight report in full here and respond to the consultation here.
July 16, 2025
June 26, 2025
June 24, 2025
June 12, 2025 
