Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024: what changes for service charges, and when

England and Wales · Law checked 24 October 2026 · Not legal advice

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. Most provisions need commencement regulations.

Already in force

• No 2-year wait before extending a lease or buying the freehold (31 January 2025).
• Right to Manage changes (3 March 2025).

Not yet in force (service charges)

• Standardised service charge demand forms and annual reports.
• A new right to request information, replacing today's section 21 and section 22 rights.
• Litigation costs reform and insurance commission rules.

The government's July 2026 consultation response says regulations will be laid in 2026 and leaseholders "will start to see changes during 2027". Until then, use the current law; our templates are written for it and will be updated.