# Dispensation

An order by the First-tier Tribunal excusing a landlord or management company from some or all of the Section 20 consultation requirements, where it is reasonable to do so.

Also called: Section 20ZA dispensation, dispensation from consultation.

Dispensation is the safety valve for [Section 20](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/section-20-consultation). You can apply before the works (for example, an emergency repair that can't wait for two rounds of consultation) or afterwards (if a step was missed).

## How the tribunal decides

The Supreme Court in _Daejan v Benson_ said the main question is whether the leaseholders suffered **real prejudice** because the consultation wasn't done properly. Leaseholders need to show what prejudice they suffered. The tribunal can grant dispensation on conditions, such as reducing the cost or paying the leaseholders' reasonable costs.

## In practice

- Apply on the tribunal's form, explaining what happened and why.
- Keep leaseholders informed even in an emergency: explain what's being done and why, and share quotes where you can.
- Dispensation isn't automatic, and it costs time and a fee. Consulting properly is almost always easier.

## Related terms

- [Section 20 consultation](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/section-20-consultation)
- [Qualifying long-term agreement](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/qualifying-long-term-agreement)
- [First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/first-tier-tribunal)

## Sources

- [Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s.20ZA(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70/section/20ZA)
- [Daejan Investments Ltd v Benson [2013] UKSC 14](https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/uksc/2013/14)

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Updated 22 October 2026. Source: https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/dispensation