Guide to Section 20 Consultation

Service Description

This College of Block Management (CBM) course provides RMC and RTM directors with a clear and practical understanding of Section 20 consultation requirements, when they apply, and how to ensure compliance with statutory obligations. Section 20 is one of the most misunderstood areas of residential block management. Many directors are aware of it, but few fully understand when it is required, what the process involves, and the consequences of getting it wrong. Failure to comply can result in significant financial limitations on cost recovery, regardless of whether works are necessary or reasonable. This session explains what a Section 20 consultation is — and importantly, what it is not. You will learn when consultation is required for qualifying works and qualifying long-term agreements, and how the statutory thresholds operate in practice. Drawing on best practice, the course sets out the consultation process step by step, including notices, timeframes, observations, and contractor selection. It also explains the role of leaseholders in the process and how directors should approach consultation in a transparent and effective way. The course also covers key legal cases and practical pitfalls, helping directors understand how tribunals interpret compliance, reasonableness, and consultation failures. This includes when dispensation may be granted and the risks associated with relying on it. Importantly, the session focuses on the director’s role in overseeing the process, particularly where a managing agent is responsible for administering consultations. You will learn what to expect, what to review, and how to ensure the process is being handled correctly. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of: • What Section 20 consultation is and when it applies • The difference between qualifying works and long-term agreements • The stages of the consultation process • Common mistakes and legal risks • Key case law and tribunal approach • How to oversee managing agents and ensure compliance This course is designed to give directors the confidence to administer section 20 consultations properly, protect service charge recovery, and ensure legal compliance in one of the most critical areas of residential management. If you haven’t done so already – download our free comprehensive e-book: