Section 20C: stop the landlord adding legal costs to your service charge

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

Many leases let landlords recover legal costs through the service charge. Section 20C of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 lets you ask the tribunal or court to order that the landlord's costs of the proceedings are not treated as relevant costs for your service charge (or for other named leaseholders).

How to apply

Usually by ticking the box on the tribunal application form, or applying during the case. The tribunal makes whatever order is "just and equitable". If you largely win, an order is likely.

Related

• Paragraph 5A of Schedule 11 to the 2002 Act lets the tribunal reduce or extinguish litigation costs charged to you directly as an administration charge.
• The 2024 Act plans wider reform of litigation costs; it is not yet in force for service charges.