Recognised tenants’ associations
Supporting evidence for getting recognition of a tenants’ association
Before you ask the landlord or apply to the tribunal for recognition of a tenants’ association, collect evidence showing that the association meets the eligibility criteria of:
- having enough qualifying tenants as members
- being fair and democratic
- being independent from the landlord
A landlord may not ask for everything a tribunal would need. But it’s a good idea to prepare similar evidence in case the landlord refuses recognition or asks for more information.
| What to show | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|
| The membership threshold that applies to you | Use our guidance to quote the correct percentage you need to reach. |
| How you worked out the threshold | The number of flats, the number that pay a variable service charge, the number represented by qualifying tenants. |
| Membership list | Make sure the membership list is accurate, up to date and current. It must include the person’s name and flat number. Check the members listed are qualifying tenants. Only list qualifying tenants (if applicable). |
| Proof of membership | Use membership forms or emails to confirm membership, or subscription records if applicable. Make sure these are recently dated. For example, a membership form signed in 2005 does not show that the person is a current member. |
| The association has fair rules | Include a copy of the constitution. |
| The association is democratic | Include minutes showing the constitution was agreed by member vote, and the chair, secretary and treasurer were elected by member vote. Include rules about voting. |
| The association is independent from the landlord | Include a statement in your constitution. Have clear rules about how you maintain independence from the landlord and their associates. |
What to send to the landlord
When asking the landlord for recognition, the secretary should consider sending as a minimum:
- the constitution and voting rules
- the secretary’s contact details
- a membership list of qualifying tenants
- evidence you meet the threshold rule
- evidence that members have joined
You should also have the information and documents ready that a tribunal would usually ask for. This will help if the landlord asks for more detail.
If your landlord is a council
Some councils encourage the formation of recognised tenants’ associations and have advice about criteria and how to apply on their websites.
What you must send to the tribunal
If you apply to the tribunal, check the application form and guidance for what you must include. This usually includes:
- the constitution and rules, including how it can be amended
- rules about membership
- details of whether non-qualifying tenants can become members and what they can vote on
- details of any membership fees, charges or exemptions
- the number of flats
- the number of flats that pay a variable service charge
- the number of flats represented by members
- the names and contact details of the chair, secretary and treasurer
- accounts for the last financial year (for previous years, state that they are available on request)
- minutes from association meetings for the current financial year, and previous years if available
- a signed and dated list of members, with flat numbers
- confirmation from the secretary that subscriptions are paid, if subscriptions are charged
- details of the association, landlord and property details of any recognition, refusal or withdrawal by the landlord
- details of any previous certificate of recognition
- Last updated:
- 25 June 2026
- Next review:
- 25 June 2028
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