Are my service charges reasonable? Section 19 explained

England and Wales · Law checked 24 October 2026 · Not legal advice

Section 19 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 says relevant costs count towards a service charge only to the extent they are reasonably incurred, and works or services only if they are of a reasonable standard. For advance (on-account) charges, no more than a reasonable amount is payable, with adjustments later.

What "reasonable" means in practice

• The question is whether the cost was reasonably incurred, not whether it was the cheapest possible. But a much higher price than the market rate needs explaining.
• The decision-making process matters: did the landlord get quotes, and consider the options?
• Poor work (missed cleaning, repeated failed repairs) can reduce what is payable.

Useful evidence

• Alternative quotes for the same work.
• Photos and dated logs of missed services.
• Year-on-year comparisons from your own accounts.
• The contract terms (frequency, scope).

Put each disputed item in a Scott Schedule and send a formal dispute letter.