Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is a key part of property management law in the United Kingdom. It sets out clear responsibilities for landlords and freeholders of leasehold properties, particularly around the maintenance and repair of shared areas and building structures. The legislation is designed to promote transparency and fairness when significant works or long-term agreements are planned. It requires landlords to formally consult leaseholders before carrying out major projects or entering into agreements that may result in substantial charges. Section 20 plays an important role in protecting leaseholders by ensuring they are informed and consulted before facing unexpected financial responsibilities.
These are the property owners responsible for upkeep. Section 20 requires consultation with leaseholders before initiating major works or entering long-term maintenance contracts.
Formed by leaseholders, these companies assume specific management roles from landlords. They must adhere to Section 20 regulations for significant works or contracts.
Like RTM companies, RMCs play a vital role in property management and must comply with Section 20 obligations as landlords do.
They are directly impacted by Section 20, gaining control and transparency in managing communal spaces and related expenses.
These are payments by leaseholders for the upkeep and repair of the building and associated services. Under Section 20, leaseholders are consulted if the total cost of any work surpasses a specific limit, offering them an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed works and their costs.
Leaseholders pay this fee to the freeholder as part of their lease conditions. It’s typically fixed, but recent legal reforms aim to reduce this burden. New leases often feature a ‘peppercorn’ rent, effectively zero.
First, landlords must issue a Notice of Intention detailing the proposed works and inviting leaseholders to submit their observations and nominate contractors within 30 days.
Landlords then need to obtain various estimates for the works. These should include nominations from leaseholders and the Recognised Tenants’ Association (RTA), ensuring a diverse range of options.
After gathering estimates, landlords issue a Statement of Estimates to leaseholders. This document summarises the costs and responds to their observations, including at least one estimate from a contractor unconnected to the landlord.
Leaseholders get another 30 days to review the estimates and provide further feedback. This stage is essential for ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Upon considering leaseholder feedback, the landlord selects a contractor. Suppose the chosen contractor isn’t the least expensive or a leaseholder nominee. In that case, the landlord must issue a Notice of Reasons explaining the selection within 21 days.
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Sarah DanquahTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
David did an outstanding job carrying out our survey. From the outset, he put us completely at ease regarding the issue being investigated, and every stage of the process was explained clearly, including what would happen next. His level of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise was exceptional. The area of concern was assessed and inspected thoroughly, along with other related areas, and his approach was highly methodical and extremely comprehensive. It was evident that no detail was overlooked. What particularly impressed us was the additional advice and recommendations he provided regarding the further assessment of certain areas. This went far beyond our expectations and gave us great confidence in both the findings and the way the issue would be managed moving forward. It is clear that David possesses exceptional expertise in his field, and this was reflected throughout the survey and in the quality of his work. His professionalism, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond were truly remarkable. I would also like to thank Faeeza, who was approachable, friendly, and extremely informative. She ensured that we understood all aspects of the appointment and explained everything clearly and professionally. Overall, I am genuinely impressed with the company and the high standard of service we received. Based on our experience, I would recommend the company without hesitation.Posted on Google![]()
Paola FudakowskaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Faeeza was very helpful in identifying the right surveyor for the job and managing the process.Posted on Google![]()
Amber HillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had our roof and walls maintained and the whole thing was a nightmare. Not only are there still issues, they created further problems by leaving half completed work uncovered during a rain storm. The company refused to fix their mistakes and stopped answering emails. I really strongly recommend avoiding Environ. There are other companies far better to use.Posted on Google![]()
Jayne RTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great initially, made arrangements with a tenant directly very efficiently. But ultimately, despite reassurances, we paid £504 inc VAT for a damp survey which told us we have damp. We expected to be told WHY we had damp as very aware we had it. The survey suggested we needed to purchase a different damp survey to know which kind, maybe a drains survey, and an extractor fan in the bathroom might help - all further services offered by Environ, at great additional expense. Not very transparent and not good value, in our opinion.Posted on Google![]()
Tom K.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Have I just discovered London’s best building company? The project was the rebuilding of part of a Victorian garden party wall. This is, when I met, via Checkatrade, Environ Restoration Services, based in Parsons Green. They specialise in high end work bringing damaged brick work of London’s historic housing stock back to life. Their approach to what was ultimately only a small project for them was exceptional throughout. (One builder responding to Checkatrade wanted to survey the site after sunset in the dark, when he would have seen nothing). Environ Restoration Services sent their surveyor Reese in daylight to cast an eye over the project to establish parameters of scope and pricing. A detailed report followed. We agreed a schedule. Enter their craftsmen Santiago and Kyron, masters in the art of brick building, and very nice people to work with on site. They carefully dismantled the wall brick by brick, and were not fazed by the unexpected, such as the cantankerous root growth of a tree. They prepped a lot of the old bricks for reuse, and a good number was replaced. The result is pretty much a sight of what the wall might have looked like around 1840 - in a new state but now blending pleasingly in with the old. A great result. And the neighbour on the other side loves it too. - In my opinion, what makes Environ Restoration Services succeed where others fail is not only authoritative workmanship, but also the management behind the scenes. When I spoke to the project managers over time, every single one, especially Mishkah, was ‘on top’ of the subject, enabling us to progress matters quickly and efficiently. They are pro-active, friendly, and supremely professional. This is why the answer to my question above is a resounding yes! The Environ Restoration Services team are, clearly, miles ahead of their competitors. – This project was, quite literally, a pleasure from the first email to the last brick. – PS: And we are hoping to have them back for another project soon.Posted on Google![]()
Lorraine Renaud NashTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I found Environ Property Services to be extremely professional and attentive throughout. Communication was excellent at every stage, with clear and prompt correspondence that kept me fully informed. The restoration work, pointing and exterior painting have transformed the look of the house. Thanks Mishkah for always being on the end of the phone and managing the project. Reisse the surveyor and Mark site manager for putting up with me! The workmanship was of a very high standard, with great care and attention to detail. I was very impressed with the overall service and would have no hesitation in recommending Environ Property Services.Posted on Google![]()
Panayiotis DionysopoulosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very positive experience with EWI Specialist. The team was professional and tidy throughout the work and we’re very pleased with the quality of the finished result. Communication was good and the project was handled professionally from start to finish. Would definitely recommend.
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