Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Ensure Section 20B sets deadline for final service charge after notification

Open for signatures 722 signatures

What the petition asks

Establish a statutory 6-month deadline for final service charge invoices following any notification under Section 20B of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Section 20B effectively lets landlords bypass the 18-month service charge limit via indefinite "notifications". With no deadline for final bills, sales can collapse as lenders can't quantify hidden debts. New owners can face unfair bills and managers lack incentive for accountability and efficiency. We demand a strict 6-month limit to finalize accounts after a notice. We believe this reform will stop financial limbo, protect the housing market, and ensure transparency for UK leaseholders and freeholders with rent charges.

Timeline

26 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 722
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 26 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.