[2025] UKUT 232 (LC)

This is an appeal from a decision of the First-tier Tribunal in its jurisdiction under section 27A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to decide whether service charges are payable under a lease. The application to the FTT was made by 68 leaseholders of flats in Northwood Hall in relation to a number of different charges, but the appeal relates to only one, namely the FTT’s decision that the relevant leases do not enable the landlord to recover legal costs as part of the service charge. The landlord appeals with permission from the FTT; 55 of the leaseholders have taken part in the appeal as respondents and their names are set out at the end of this decision.

The appellant landlord, Triplark Limited, was represented in the appeal by Ms Emily Betts and Mr Cameron Stocks, and the respondent leaseholders by Mr Philip Whale who is one of their number; I am grateful to them all.