Amendment Property 20 May 2026 3 min read

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024: commencement date confirmed

Ministers have confirmed that the service-charge transparency provisions will come into force on 1 January 2027. Leaseholders and freeholders should prepare now.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that the service-charge transparency and right-to-manage provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 will come into force on 1 January 2027. Commencement regulations were published in October 2026.

From that date, landlords and managing agents must provide annual service charge accounts in a prescribed format, with each line item cross-referenced to a contract or statutory obligation. Leaseholders will have a statutory right to challenge unreasonable charges at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) without first applying for leave. The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) has published detailed guidance for both leaseholders and freeholders.

Separate provisions on lease extension and enfranchisement premium calculations are subject to a further commencement order expected in mid-2027. GOV.UK keeps a live summary of the Act's implementation timetable.

Area Property

Type Amendment

Published 20 May 2026

Status Passed — not yet in force

What this means in practice

This amendment affects Property matters in England & Wales. It has been approved but a commencement date has not yet been set — nothing changes for you until the law is formally brought into force by statutory instrument.

Read the official text

legislation.gov.uk Parliament.uk — Bills BAILII — Judgments GOV.UK UK Supreme Court EUR-Lex

Primary source

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 — legislation.gov.uk

This item summarises a legal development for general information only. It is not legal advice. Always check the official text and, for your own situation, consult a qualified lawyer.

FAQ

Questions about this item

About what it means, whether it applies to you, and where to find the official text.

Does this change affect me right now?

It depends on the type of change and your situation. Items marked "In force" apply now. Items marked "passed but not yet in force" have been approved by Parliament but a commencement order has not yet set the start date — they cannot be enforced until that date. Check the official commencement information on legislation.gov.uk. If you are unsure how a change affects your situation, Citizens Advice offers free guidance.

Where can I read the full official text?

Every news item links to its primary source. All UK Acts of Parliament and statutory instruments are on legislation.gov.uk. Bills still going through Parliament are tracked on Parliament.uk. Court judgments are published on BAILII. If the change relates to official government guidance, that is published on GOV.UK.

Can I rely on this news item for a legal decision?

No — news items are summaries for general awareness, not legal advice. They do not take your specific circumstances into account. For decisions that carry legal or financial consequences, consult a qualified solicitor. The Law Society's Find a Solicitor tool lets you search by area of law and location. For lower-stakes questions, Citizens Advice covers most everyday situations for free.

How quickly does LawTheGuide update when a law changes?

We aim to cover significant changes — new Acts, major court rulings, statutory instruments — within a few days of publication. Our primary sources are legislation.gov.uk, Parliament.uk, BAILII, and GOV.UK. Guides are updated only when a change is confirmed in force — not when it is merely passed.

What is the difference between a law being "passed" and "in force"?

A law is "passed" when it receives Royal Assent — Parliament has approved it and it is technically an Act. It is "in force" when a commencement order sets the date it actually takes effect. Some Acts sit passed but dormant for months or years. Until it is in force, no one can rely on it or be bound by it. Commencement orders (statutory instruments) on legislation.gov.uk record the exact effective dates.