Leasehold valuation tribunal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leasehold Valuation Tribunals (LVTs) are statutory tribunals in England which determine various types of landlord and tenant dispute involving residential property in the private sector. They currently determine:
- Prices to be paid by tenants compulsorily acquiring either the freehold of houses or lease extensions of flats or collective freehold purchase of flats
- Disputes in relation to service charges
- The appointment of managers and receivers for flats improperly managed
- Findings as to whether a leaseholder is or is not in breach of the terms of his lease
[edit] History
Initially created by the Housing Act 1980 which transferred certain jurisdiction from the Lands Tribunal (a Superior tribunal of England and Wales), functions have since been expanded by the Leasehold Reform and Urban Development Act 1993 and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
[edit] Composition
Tribunals technically comprise members drawn from one of the five the Rent Assessment Panels of England, constituted under Schedule 10 of the Rent Act 1977. Such members also sit on Rent Assessment Committees which determine Fair Rents under s. 70 of the Rent Act 1977, Rent Tribunals under the same Act which determine rents payable under Restricted Contracts (room lettings)and Residential Property Tribunals which were created by the Housing Act 2004.
A legally qualified chairman sitting with a chartered surveyor and a lay member usually constitute the tribunal. However, a small number of chairmen are chartered surveyors and a small number of members of other professions have also been appointed to sit. Chairmen are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and other Members by the Secretary of State. Collectively these tribunals are known as the Residential Property Tribunal Service.
