About LVT

What is the LVT?

The Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) is an accessible, informal, independent and impartial tribunal service which deals with a wide variety of disputes. Among other matters, these include the liability to pay and reasonableness of service charges; insurance; the appointment of a manager; lease variations; and consultation requirements for major works. It is an expert tribunal with the panel applying their own knowledge and experience and acting judicially and fairly.
There are five regionally based LVT offices, plus one for Wales. In England the offices and their percentage of total national service charge disputes heard are: London (50.5%), Southern (21.5%), Northern (11.5%), Eastern (11.5%) and Midland (5%).

The tribunal usually consists of a lawyer, who is often the chairman, and one or two surveyors. In order to make the LVT accessible, proceedings are semi-formal with parties not having to be professionally represented. However, in cases involving substantial amounts of money with lawyers and experts, traditional court practice is likely to be followed, although where surveyors/property managers/lessees are appointed  then a softer approach can be taken.