LVT
The Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS) are responsible for dealing with LVT’s.
The Leasehold Valuation Trbunal (LVT) is the formal name given to the appointed to make decisions on various types of dispute relating to residential leasehold property.
LVT’s provide accessible and relatively informal ways to resolve residential leasehold disputes, whereby each LVT will usually consists of three members: a lawyer – who is often the chairman, a valuer and a lay person.
The LVT is entirely independent and impartial in its approach and there are five regionally based LVT offices in England, plus one in Wales.
Proceedings at LVT are semi-formal and neither side is required to be represented by a barrister, solicitor or valuer, evidence is not given on oath and the usual court rules do not apply. However, parties appearing before an LVT may wish to seek professional advice, and it is sensible to arrange representation if the argument relates to the interpretation of the law or the terms of the lease.
LVT’s can determine a wide range of disputes:
- disputes about the terms and price of buying the freehold or extending a lease;
- disputes about the liability to pay, and reasonableness of, a service charge, an administration charge, or an estate management scheme charge;
- disputes relating to building insurance;
- whether it would be appropriate to appoint a new manager in a block of flats;
- whether a residential long lease (primarily of flats) should be varied;
- disputes relating to the right to manage;
- alleged breaches of a lease prior to a landlord serving a notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act 1925;
- whether a dispensation should be granted in respect of the consultation requirements under section 20 of the Landlordand Tenant Act 1985.
The LVT is an independent decision making body which is completely unconnected to the parties or any other public agency.
The Tribunal will look at the matter of Leasehold Dispute for the property following an application to the Tribunal.
Your can find out in regards to who will deal with your LVT application by visiting the RPTS website.
You can also download The Leasehold Advisory Service Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, Application to Leasehold Valuation Tribunal by clicking here
