9 November 2025
I would like to use Section 24 application to the First-tier Tribunal so that an independent manager can take over the building’s management from the freeholder.
To do this, I must first issue the pre-application notice, giving the freeholder 14 days to confirm and schedule the required repair and safety works. If they fail to do so, we file the Section 24 application.
This is a second action to the FTT and will take David out of the loop.
Additional pressure and evidence
In parallel, we need report the building conditions to the relevant authorities. This strengthens our case and may result in enforcement action directly against the freeholder.
Who we are reporting to, why, and what powers they have
| Authority | What we report | Why | Their powers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health (Local Council) | Leaks, damp, mould, water ingress, unsafe internal conditions | These are health and habitability issues | Can inspect and issue Improvement Notices requiring repairs within set deadlines |
| Fire | Fire doors not compliant, blocked/unsafe escape routes, inadequate alarms/emergency lighting, fire spread concerns | These are life safety and compliance failures | Can issue Fire Safety Enforcement Notices requiring immediate remedial works |
| Building Control (Local Authority) | Structural defects, breaches of fire-stopping, electrical safety concerns, issues affecting building regulations | These are building regulation compliance issues | Can require works to bring the building back to regulatory standard; can stop unsafe conditions |
| District / Local Council Housing Enforcement | General failure to manage the building to a safe standard | Additional local enforcement route | Can coordinate or escalate enforcement and compliance pressure |
Why this is separate from the existing service charge case
- The service charge dispute is about money and apportionment.
- The Section 24 action is about removing management control from the freeholder due to failure to perform duties.
- They run in parallel and do not interfere with each other.
Summary
- Issue the pre-application Section 24 notice (mandatory step).
- Continue gathering evidence.
- Report to Environmental Health, Fire Service, and Building Control to create regulatory pressure.
- If the freeholder does not act within 14 days, file the Section 24 application.
This path gives us both a legal remedy (replacement management) and external enforcement pressure.