Leasehold disputes can be heard at a tribunal or in court.
Tribunals
Tribunals are specialist courts that handle certain types of disputes.
They are usually simpler and cheaper to access than courts. People often represent themselves without using a solicitor or other professional.
In England most leasehold disputes, such as those involving service charges or lease extensions, go to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). In Wales, disputes will go to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal or the Residential Property Tribunal.
Find out more: Applying to a tribunal
Tribunal costs
At a tribunal, each side usually pays their own costs, unless it’s decided that one side has acted unreasonably.
Important
Many leases allow a landlord to recover legal costs through the service charge or as an administration charge. It’s important to seek advice about preventing this before proceeding with a claim.
Courts
You might need to go to the County Court:
- to recover unpaid debt
- to ask for a court order requiring your landlord to fix a problem, for example if they’re not making repairs or if they’re breaking the terms of your lease
- if your landlord is taking steps to end your lease (forfeiture)
- to enforce an agreement reached as part of arbitration – usually a breach of contract
Find out more: Going to court
Court costs
For cases in the small claims track (usually claims under £10,000) each side usually pays their own legal costs, but a losing party can be ordered to pay costs relating to the other side’s court fees or costs involved in issuing the claim.
For higher value claims the loser usually pays the winner’s costs, though the court decides if the claimed amounts are reasonable.
If you win your case and have represented yourself, you can ask the court for an award to cover court fees paid and other costs you have incurred. You can also request a fixed hourly rate (currently £24) for your time spent on the case. You’ll need to keep records and submit your claim to the court before the hearing.
Find out more: Costs of going to court
Find out if you can get help with legal fees
You might be able to get help paying court and tribunal fees if you have a low income, low savings or get certain benefits.
- Last updated:
- 21 September 2026
- Next review:
- 21 September 2028
Related content
How to take legal action at the County Court to resolve a leasehold dispute
Advice guideHow to resolve a leasehold dispute at a tribunal, including types of case, costs and the process
Advice guide