Recognised tenants’ associations
Legal rights of a recognised tenants’ association
With the members’ consent, a recognised tenants’ association can exercise the rights of leaseholders collectively. It also has extra rights that are not available to individual leaseholders or informal groups.
Extra rights of a recognised association
Right to appoint a surveyor
A recognised association can appoint a qualified surveyor to advise on service charge matters.
This right comes from Section 84 and Schedule 4 of the Housing Act 1996. It is only available to a recognised association.
The surveyor can advise on any matter relating to service charges. They can also inspect relevant documents held by the landlord and inspect the common parts of the building.
This can help:
- identify historic overcharging
- highlight unreasonable or unnecessary costs
- check whether works or services are being properly managed
- support leaseholders when deciding whether to challenge service charges at the tribunal
- provide evidence to support a tribunal application
Find out more: appointing a surveyor
Right to be consulted about managing agents
A recognised association can require the landlord to consult it about the appointment or re-appointment of a managing agent.
This right comes from Section 30B of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
It gives the association a chance to comment on how the building will be managed and who will manage it.
Leaseholder rights that recognised associations can use
Request a summary of service charge costs
A recognised association can request a written summary of service charge costs on behalf of its members, with their consent.
This can help leaseholders understand how service charges have been calculated and what the landlord has spent money on.
Find out more:
- rights to service charge information
- download a template letter requesting a summary of service charge costs
Inspect accounts, invoices and receipts
Once the summary of service charge costs has been provided, the recognised association can inspect the supporting accounts, invoices, receipts and other relevant documents.
This can help leaseholders check whether the costs are reasonable and whether the landlord has evidence to support the charges.
Find out more:
Request insurance information
A recognised association can request a written summary of the buildings insurance.
It can also arrange to inspect the insurance policy and related documents.
This can help leaseholders check whether the policy is suitable for the building.
Find out more:
- buildings insurance for leasehold properties
- download a template letter asking to inspect insurance policy
Consultation on major works and long-term agreements
Leaseholders and the recognised association must be consulted on major works and qualifying long-term agreements. These are known as Section 20 consultations.
The recognised association or their appointed surveyor can help by:
- coordinating leaseholders’ responses
- making observations on behalf of members
- proposing contractors for the landlord to consider
- reviewing estimates and specifications
- helping leaseholders understand the consultation process
Find out more: Section 20 consultation
- Last updated:
- 25 June 2026
- Next review:
- 25 June 2028
Related content
The different types of management arrangements, and standards and costs
Advice guideYour options if you're unhappy with how your building is managed
Advice guideLeaseholders' rights to appoint a surveyor to look into their landlord's management
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