The thresholds concern leaseholder contributions
Section 20 consultation can apply to qualifying works where any one leaseholder’s contribution exceeds £250. Qualifying long-term agreements have a separate £100-per-year threshold and concern agreements lasting more than 12 months. Do not treat every survey as automatically triggering consultation.
The lease and the circumstances still need to be assessed. This is general orientation, not advice on a particular instruction.
Urgency is not an automatic exemption
A tribunal may grant dispensation from consultation where appropriate. An urgent leak does not remove the requirements automatically. Keep records of the incident, the proposed response and any advice about consultation or dispensation.
A technical report may support the evidence but cannot guarantee dispensation or service-charge recovery.
Check the current rules for the property
Use the relevant England or Wales process and obtain legal advice where needed. Do not apply these thresholds indiscriminately elsewhere in the UK.
Read LEASE’s explanation of consultation and dispensation. Source checked 9 September 2026.