Part 2Leasehold reform

Chapter 5Other provisions about leases

Service charges, administration charges etc.

153Notice to accompany demands for service charges

After section 21A of the 1985 Act (inserted by section 152) insert—

21BNotice to accompany demands for service charges

1

A demand for the payment of a service charge must be accompanied by a summary of the rights and obligations of tenants of dwellings in relation to service charges.

2

The Secretary of State may make regulations prescribing requirements as to the form and content of such summaries of rights and obligations.

3

A tenant may withhold payment of a service charge which has been demanded from him if subsection (1) is not complied with in relation to the demand.

4

Where a tenant withholds a service charge under this section, any provisions of the lease relating to non-payment or late payment of service charges do not have effect in relation to the period for which he so withholds it.

5

Regulations under subsection (2) may make different provision for different purposes.

6

Regulations under subsection (2) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.