The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that over three million leaseholders in England will gain stronger rights over service charges, with protections phased in between April 2027 and November 2028. From 1 April 2027, leaseholders are to be able to request information about charges, including from previous years, and landlords will need a good reason to refuse.

Also from that date, landlords will need court or tribunal approval to pass legal costs on to leaseholders who challenge charges, and leaseholders will gain a right to recover their own legal expenses. From 1 November 2027, leaseholders are to receive clearer information automatically, including on building insurance and administrative fees. Councils and housing associations are given until 1 November 2028 for the standardised demand forms and accounts.

Five sets of regulations are due to be laid in Parliament on 12 November 2026, subject to approval. An additional set covering litigation costs is expected before the end of 2026. The government said the changes stem from the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and are part of wider reforms planned through the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, due before Parliament before Christmas 2026.