Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 January 2010. It was answered by Lord Austin of Dudley (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Leasehold: Service Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what means of redress leasehold tenants have in respect of service charges levied by a local authority freehold landlord.

Answer: Local authority long leaseholders as well as long leaseholders more generally have a number of rights where service charges are concerned. Key rights are:"The right to ask a leasehold valuation tribunal (LVT) to determine the liability to pay and reasonableness of service charges that they are asked to pay under the terms of their lease, where they contribute towards service charges the costs of which vary;""The right to be consulted where the landlord is to carry out works that will cost an individual more than £250, or a long term agreement where the costs under the agreement will exceed £100 per individual;""The right to ask for information about service charges and insurance of the property, including the right to ask for a summary of service charges and to inspect the supporting documentation and receipts etc."

Secondary information