Shared ownership service charges: can you challenge them?

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

Shared owners usually hold a long lease and pay 100% of the service charge, even if they own a small share. In most cases they are leaseholders for the purposes of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, so the rights in this guide apply: reasonableness, consultation, the 18-month rule, and the section 21 and section 22 information rights.

Differences

• The section 25 offence for failing to provide information does not apply to registered social landlords.
• Housing associations have their own complaints processes and the Housing Ombudsman.
• Check your lease: some shared ownership leases have specific service charge clauses.