The Property Chamber runs a no-costs jurisdiction with narrow exceptions. Understanding the fee schedule and the routes by which costs can leak back — via the lease, via Rule 13, or via the Upper Tribunal on appeal — is essential to litigating economically.
2026 fee schedule (indicative)
| Application | Issue fee | Hearing fee |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold 1 / Leasehold 10 | £100 | £200 |
| Enfranchisement / extension terms | £100 | £200 |
| RTM | £100 | £200 |
| Appointment of manager | £100 | £200 |
| Park homes | £100 | £200 |
| Determination on the papers | £100 | £0 |
Fee remission (HwF) is available on the standard means and disposable capital test.
Costs between the parties
Default: each side bears its own costs. Exceptions:
- Rule 13 — costs where a party acts unreasonably in bringing, defending or conducting proceedings. Willow Court v Alexander is the leading case: a high threshold.
- Wasted costs — against representatives for improper, unreasonable or negligent conduct.
Costs leaking back through the lease
Even in a no-costs jurisdiction, most residential leases let the landlord recover its costs as service charge or administration charge. The corresponding protections are s.20C LTA 1985 and para 5A Sch 11 CLRA 2002. Always apply for both.
Costs on appeal
The Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) has a broader costs jurisdiction. Losing a UT appeal can be materially expensive — factor this into any appeal decision.
Related
- [Section 20C costs order guide](/guides/section-20c-costs-order-explained-recover-landlord-legal-costs)
- [Paragraph 5A Schedule 11 CLRA](/guides/paragraph-5a-schedule-11-clra-costs-order-explained)
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim litigants-in-person costs?＋
In a no-costs jurisdiction, no ordinary between-party costs are recoverable at first instance. Rule 13 unreasonable-conduct costs are the narrow exception.
What happens if I lose on appeal?＋
The Upper Tribunal typically applies costs-follow-event. Budget for £15–40k of adverse costs risk on a contested UT appeal.
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