Section 22 request: inspecting service charge invoices and receipts

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

Once you have a summary of costs (under section 21 or otherwise; year-end accounts often count), section 22 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 lets you require, in writing, reasonable facilities to inspect the accounts, receipts and other supporting documents and to take copies.

Time limits

• You must make the request within six months of obtaining the summary.
• The landlord must make the facilities available for two months, starting no later than one month after your request (s.22(4)).

Cost

Inspection must be free. The landlord may make a reasonable charge for copies, and can treat the cost of providing facilities as a management cost (s.22(5)–(6)). Many agents will email scans if you ask; it is cheaper for everyone.

What to ask for

• Every invoice over a set amount, and contracts for cleaning, lifts, gardening and fire safety.
• The buildings insurance schedule and any commission paid to the landlord or agent (see insurance commission).
• The management agreement and the agent's fee basis.
• The reserve fund statement and any section 20 consultation notices.

As with section 21, failing to comply without reasonable excuse is an offence under section 25.

Questions