A guide to resolving leasehold disputes
Resolving disputes with other leaseholders
If you have problems with other leaseholders (whether it’s noise, anti-social behaviour or not following the terms of your lease) there are steps you can follow to try to resolve the issue.
Step 1: check your lease
Check your lease to confirm your rights and the responsibilities of other leaseholders.
Most leases include clauses about:
- causing nuisance to other residents
- rules about pets
- parking arrangements
- leaks and damage
- respecting communal spaces
Social housing landlords must have a procedure for dealing with anti-social behaviour. Contact them for this if it is not detailed on your lease.
Help understanding the rights and responsibilities of leaseholders.
Step 2: keep documentation
It’s important to keep records of any issues, including:
- dates and times of incidents
- what happened
- any communications you have with the other leaseholders or the landlord
- photos if appropriate
Keeping good records is helpful if the problem continues or escalates, as repeated breaches can be considered more serious and might have greater consequences for the leaseholder responsible.
Step 3: informal resolution options
In many cases, it’s best to try to resolve the issue informally before asking the landlord to act.
Options can include:
- talking directly to the other leaseholders
- using independent mediation or arbitration
- complaining to your tenants' or residents' association
- contacting your local council for issues about anti-social behaviour
Citizens Advice has more information on resolving issues with neighbours and dealing with anti-social behaviour.
Step 4: formally ask your landlord to take action
The landlord usually has the power to enforce the rules of the lease. Check your lease to see if you have the right to require the landlord to enforce another leaseholder’s obligations. In some cases, you might have to cover the costs of enforcement. Check for an “indemnity” clause in your lease to find out if this applies.
If your landlord is responsible for resolving the issue, contact them and ask:
- what they will do to resolve the issue
- how long it will take to resolve
- when you can expect a response
- if there are any costs involved, and who is responsible for paying them
Put your request in writing and keep a copy. You can use our template letter to help you.
Template letter
Template letter to ask a landlord to address a nuisance or noise disturbance.
Before taking legal action
Always check your lease first. If it allows, you may be able to take legal action against another leaseholder without having to involve the landlord first.
Tribunal or court action can result in an order for the leaseholder to comply and or pay damages.
It’s best to get advice to see if legal action is the most suitable way to resolve the issue. Legal action is usually a last resort. It can be expensive, stressful and time-consuming. And you might be expected to have taken other steps first (like alternative dispute resolution).
- Last updated:
- 25 June 2024
- Next review:
- 25 June 2026