Section 20 Works

The requirement may be for full consultation where the tenant will be able to make observations on the proposed works and also nominate a contractor for the landlord to obtain an estimate.

Section 20 works. In effect it says that a leaseholder s contribution to the cost of works will be capped if the landlord or their managing agent fails to follow a set. Section 20 law covers two parts one for any major works that cost over 250 per leaseholder and then one part for long term contracts which we will cover in another article the law also enables a cap on the amount any leaseholder will pay if the landlord does not carry out the required consultation. These regulations came into effect in october 2003 as part of the commonhold and leasehold reform act 2002.

Section 20 s20 is a clause in the landlord and tenant act 1985 intended to protect leaseholders from paying unnecessarily large sums for work carried out to their building. Consultation for major works are now covered within section 151 of the commonhold and leasehold reform act 2002 but was originally included with section 20 of the landlord and tenant act 1985. For qualifying works under section 20 you would be required to serve a notice of intention to carry out works upon all lessees.

You should check your lease to make sure that the landlord is entitled or obliged to carry out the proposed works. Section 20 consultation for private landlords resident management companies and their agents outline guide to consultation for qualifying works to a building and qualifying long term agreements. If the cost of major works will exceed the sum of 250 for any one leaseholder then the landlord is required to consult with tenants under section 20.

This booklet is only a guide. As a leaseholder you have the right to be consulted if the landlord carries out major works for which you will be asked to pay. The notice must generally describe the proposed works state the reasons for considering the proposed works and invite leaseholders to make written observations within 30 days.

The specific consultation requirements are contained within the 2003 service charge regulations. The three relevant sections for major works are. In summary it says that a leaseholder s contribution to the cost of work will be capped if the landlord or their agent fails to follow set consultation procedures first.

Section 20 s20 is a clause in the landlord and tenant act 1985 which is intended to protect leaseholders from paying unnecessarily large sums for work carried out to their building.