Recognised tenants’ associations
How to apply for recognised status of your tenants’ association
There are 2 ways to become a recognised tenants’ association:
- ask the landlord to recognise the association in writing
- apply to the tribunal for a certificate of recognition
You do not always have to wait for the landlord to refuse recognition before applying to the tribunal.
You may want a tribunal certificate if:
- the landlord is unlikely to cooperate
- relations with the landlord have broken down
- the association wants the security of a certificate
| Issue | Landlord route | Tribunal route |
|---|---|---|
| How recognition is granted | The landlord gives written notice recognising the association. | The tribunal issues a certificate of recognition. |
| How long recognition lasts | It continues unless the landlord withdraws it. | It is usually for a fixed period of 4 years. You can apply to renew it. |
| Can recognition be withdrawn or cancelled? | The landlord can withdraw recognition – they must give at least 6 months’ notice. | Only the tribunal can cancel the certificate. |
| Evidence needed for recognition | It is sensible to send evidence to show the association should be recognised based on what the tribunal would need. | Formal evidence is needed with the application. |
Fees
Landlord fees
The landlord might be able to charge a reasonable administration fee for giving recognition. Check your lease to see if they can do this.
Tribunal fees
In England the tribunal fee is £114. There is an extra fee of £227 if a hearing is needed.
In Wales there is no fee.
Landlord’s tribunal costs
If you apply to the tribunal you do not usually have to pay the landlord’s legal costs, such as their solicitor fees.
However, check your lease. Some leases allow the landlord to recover tribunal costs through the service charge.
You can apply under Section 20C of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for an order that all or part of the landlord’s costs from the tribunal proceedings are not added to the service charge.
Applying for landlord recognition
The secretary of the association should write to the landlord asking for written recognition.
Use our template letter to help you.
You should consider sending the supporting evidence or make clear it is available upon request.
If the landlord agrees, they should confirm recognition in writing.
Download our template letter: asking the landlord to recognise your association
If the landlord refuses or does not respond
If the landlord does not recognise the tenants’ association you can apply to the tribunal for a certificate of recognition.
The tribunal forms indicate that 4 weeks is a reasonable time to wait for a response from the landlord first.
Applying for a tribunal certificate of recognition
The secretary, or another officer of the association, needs to:
- apply to the tribunal using the tribunal form
- include the supporting evidence
- pay the tribunal fee (England only)
The tribunal forms are:
What happens next
The tribunal will check the application. A copy will be sent to the landlord and any other person the tribunal thinks may be affected.
The landlord will be able to comment on the application.
Many applications are decided using the written information provided. A hearing may be needed if either side asks for one, or if there is a factual dispute that cannot be resolved in writing.
If the application is successful, the tribunal will send the certificate to you and the landlord.
If the application is not successful the tribunal will explain their reasons. You may be able to address the reasons and apply again.
If you want to appeal, you must first apply to the tribunal for permission to appeal. This must usually be done within 28 days after the written reasons are sent.
Find out more about applying for a tribunal certificate of recognition
- Last updated:
- 25 June 2026
- Next review:
- 25 June 2028
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