Service charge reform: what changes, and when
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has received Royal Assent, but the service charge and estate management provisions are not yet in force. Secondary regulations are still to come, and landlords, RMC/RTM directors and managing agents are not yet legally required to comply — only to prepare.
Where things stand right now
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent, but its service charge and estate management provisions require secondary regulations before taking effect. Landlords, RMC/RTM directors and managing agents are not yet legally required to comply with the new regime — only to prepare for it. Until regulations are made, current processes and legal obligations remain in place.
What is coming
Key reforms set to reshape service charge administration, certification, and transparency requirements for managing agents and property freeholders.
A move toward a standard form and format for demanding service charges from leaseholders, making the process clearer and more consistent across the sector.
A new requirement for blocks to produce an annual report covering building condition and planned major works, providing leaseholders with greater visibility.
Service charge accounts must be prepared to a standard format and certified by a qualified accountant, raising consistency and professional oversight.
Leaseholders gain a legal right to request historic service charge information covering up to six years, improving transparency and accountability.
Need guidance preparing your accounts for upcoming statutory changes?
View service charge accountsThe timing
Projected sequence for statutory leasehold reform milestones and regulatory implementation.
2025
Government ran a public consultation on the reforms.
July 2026
Government published its response to the consultation.
Later in 2026
Secondary regulations are expected to be laid.
2027
Changes are expected to reach and affect leaseholders in practice.
2025
Government ran a public consultation on the reforms.
July 2026
Government published its response to the consultation.
Later in 2026
Secondary regulations are expected to be laid.
2027
Changes are expected to reach and affect leaseholders in practice.
* Dates designated as expected depend on parliamentary timetable and statutory instrument schedules.
Source: UK Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local GovernmentIf you manage a block
Practical preparation steps for upcoming residential management and service charge regulatory requirements.
Review your current service charge demand format against the likely standardisation requirements so you understand what will need to change.
Check that your building condition records are up to date and well organised, ready to support the new annual reporting obligation.
Confirm that your service charge accounts are already prepared to a recognised standard by a qualified accountant, or plan to implement this.
Ensure that your historic service charge records are retrievable and well-organised for at least the past six years, in case leaseholders request them.
Brief your leaseholders early on what is and is not yet confirmed, so they understand the coming changes and feel informed.
Need technical help with your block accounts?
Speak directly with a chartered accountant specialising in RMC and RTM compliance.
If you are a leaseholder
Key updates on statutory service charge transparency, upcoming reporting standards, and what you need to know today.
Access to historical records
You will eventually be able to request service charge information going back six years, giving you better access to historic financial records.
Standardised reporting and certification
Future service charge demands and accounts will follow a standardised format and be professionally signed off, making them clearer and more consistent.
Implementation timeline and status
These rights and obligations are not yet in force, so current processes still apply until secondary regulations are made and take effect.
Statutory transition notice
Need clarity on your current service charge accounts or lease obligations? Speak with our team.
Reform readiness review
This fee is credited against your first year if you subsequently appoint Abel Accountants.
This review checks your block's current service charge demand format, accounts presentation, and record-keeping against what the incoming reforms will require. We identify any gaps and give you concrete steps to prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and how it affects service charge reporting.
The Act received Royal Assent in 2024, but the service charge and estate management provisions need secondary regulations before they take effect. Until then, current legal requirements and processes remain in place.
Need clarity on your block’s accounts or incoming regulations?
Book a readiness reviewTalk to a chartered accountant about the reforms
We help RMC and RTM directors, freeholders, and managing agents get ready for the leasehold reform changes ahead of time.