The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has 5 regional offices throughout England that deal with settling of disputes in relation to leasehold property and the private rented sector. They deal with various matters including service charge disputes, lease variations and the determination of premiums for freehold purchase and lease extensions. This tribunal covers matters previously heard by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal in England.
Mediation is an alternative to taking action in Court or Tribunal. Mediation provides an opportunity for the parties to discuss the problem and work out a solution in an informal setting. The parties meet with a mediator who helps them to clarify the issues, to communicate with each other and to try to reach an amicable agreement.
Mediation can provide a quick, cheap, informal and confidential means of settling a dispute.
It can also be a strategy by a landlord to demonstrate they are of sterling good character, and are not wanting to waste a leaseholder in the tribunal. And then do precisely that.
Early Neutral Evaluation is an assessment of the issues in dispute, designed to serve as a basis for further negotiations and to avoid the time, expense and anxiety caused by unnecessary litigation. An independent expert expresses an opinion on the merits of the issues raised by the parties. The opinion is not binding but gives you an unbiased evaluation of the relative strengths of the parties’ cases, and guidance as to the possible outcome if the matter proceeds to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England or the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal in Wales.
