Template letter to landlord: requesting a summary of service charge costs

You can use this template to ask your landlord to provide a summary of service charge costs, under section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

You should not rely on this template as an alternative to legal advice. If you have any questions about legal issues we recommend getting advice from a qualified professional. By using this template you accept our terms and conditions.

To use this template:

• copy the text on this page or download the Word document
• replace the text in square brackets with your details
• choose the text that applies to you in paragraphs 1 and 3

To: [name of landlord, or the agent, or the person who receives rent]

Property address: [address of flat or house]

1. I am/we are the leaseholder(s) of the above property.
   Or
   I am the secretary of [name of recognised tenants’ association]
   This is a recognised tenants’ association for [name of the building]
   The leaseholder(s) of the above property within the building has/have consented to this request.
2. I/we make this request of the landlord in accordance with Section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
3. As the landlord of the property you are required to comply with the requirements of paragraphs 4 and 5 below.
   Or
   As the agent of the landlord named as such in the rent book or similar document
   Under Section 21(3) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 you are obliged to forward this request to the landlord as soon as may be.
   Or
   As the person who receives the rent on behalf of the landlord
   Under Section 21(3) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 you are obliged to forward this request to the landlord as soon as may be.
4. I/we require you to provide me/us with a written summary of the relevant costs incurred in respect of the above property.
   1. If the relevant accounts are made up for periods of twelve months, in the last such period ending not later than the date of this request or
   2. If the accounts are not so made up, in the period of twelve months ending with the date of this request.
5. You are required to supply me/us with the written summary within 1 month from the date of this request, or within six months from the end of the period referred to in paragraph 4 above, whichever is the later.

A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to perform a duty imposed on them under Section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 commits a summary offence and is liable on conviction to pay a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale. The local housing authority has the power to bring a prosecution.

Signed: [signature of the person(s) giving the request]

Address: [give the address for future correspondence about this request]

Date: