Section 20 relates mainly to council managed properties where the council owns the property or freehold. the objective is to split the costs of a necessary renovation between the owner/landlord and the lease holder / tenant.

In essence section 20 notice is a piece of legislation which allows the lessor (landlord, freeholder or property owner) to demand from the lessee (lease holder) to pay part of the property renovation.

Should you find yourself in the position of having received a section 20 notice, you will have a number the issue of inconvenience and possible financial exposure:

• your part of the property renovation cost
• disruption due to property renovation work
• time & effort managing the communication with landlord
• stress of additional workload
• possible effect on possible sale of property or lease

In most cases a section 20 notice is never a good thing for a lessee unless the property value increases as a result of the notice. It always cost you money whatever you do and it is enforceable. It is particular painful if it arrives at a time when you can least afford it.

It is possible to get section 20 help and advice through property related website.