Summary of rights and obligations: can I withhold my service charge?

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

Section 21B of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 says a demand for a service charge must be accompanied by a summary of the rights and obligations of tenants. The wording is prescribed by regulations (England: SI 2007/1257; Wales: SI 2007/3160, in bilingual form).

If it's missing

You may withhold payment of the charge demanded, and lease terms about non-payment or late payment do not apply while you withhold (s.21B(3)–(4)). Once a compliant demand is served, the charge becomes payable, so withholding delays payment; it does not cancel it.

Administration charges

There is a similar rule for administration charges (paragraph 4, Schedule 11 to the 2002 Act). See administration charges.

Write to point out the defect and ask for a compliant demand; don't simply stop paying without saying why.