Service charge dispute letter: what to include (UK)

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

A good dispute letter makes your case clear, protects you from arrears action, and is the first thing a tribunal will look at.

Include

1. Your flat, the demand date and the period it covers.
2. A table of each disputed item: amount, why you dispute it, your evidence, and what you propose.
3. The legal basis: section 19 (reasonableness), the lease clause, section 20B or section 20 if relevant.
4. Any defects in the demand: missing landlord's name and address (s.47 and s.48) or missing summary of rights.
5. The undisputed amount you will pay, or have paid.
6. A deadline (for example, 21 days) and what you will do next (tribunal under s.27A, plus a s.20C costs order).

Tone

Be factual and calm. Tribunals notice who behaved reasonably.