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Closed Create and fund third party regulator scheme for service charge disputes

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Create a scheme where disputed service charges are payable to courts or similar body and only passed to landlords if they can prove the charge's legitimacy. Otherwise, the money returns to the tenant/leaseholder. The scheme would apply to all landlord types excluding self-management.

Unreasonable and inaccurate service charges can cause immense financial and psychological strain on those affected (renters, shared owners and leaseholders). Although laws already exist specifying that charges must be accurate and reasonable, many people are expected to pay up then seek refunds. We feel this and other factors put people challenging charges at a huge disadvantage in the current judicial system. None of the proposed new housing laws address this enforcement gap.

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  • Related activity

    Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: MPs want to hear from you

    MPs on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee are currently investigating the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

    They want to hear from homeowners in England and Wales who will be affected by the Bill, including:

    • leaseholders
    • freeholders on estates with private estate charges.

    Answer their survey by 31 March.

    The Committee will investigate:

    • whether the proposed reforms in the draft Bill will be effective
    • any changes the Government could make to improve the Bill before the final version is introduced to Parliament.

    What happens next?

    Your response to this survey will inform the Committee's recommendations to the Government. The final report will include a summary of the survey findings. The Government must then respond to the report.

    What is the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee?

    The Committee is a group of MPs from different political parties. It scrutinises the policy, administration and spending of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

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    This petition will stay open until 21 January 2026.