Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993

8 (1) Where a landlord makes an application for possession, and it is made to appear to the court that in relation to matters arising out of that application (including the giving up of possession of the flat or the payment of compensation) the landlord or the tenant has been guilty of any unreasonable delay or default, the court may— E+W

(a) by order revoke or vary, and direct repayment of sums paid under, any provision made by a previous order as to payment of the costs of proceedings taken in the court on or with reference to the application; or

(b) where costs have not been awarded, award costs.

(2) Where an application for possession is dismissed or withdrawn, and it is made to appear to the court—

(a) that the application was not made in good faith, or

(b) that the landlord had attempted in any material respect to support by misrepresentation or the concealment of material facts a request to the tenant to deliver up possession without an application for possession,

the court may order that no further application for possession of the flat made by the landlord shall be entertained if it is made within the period of five years beginning with the date of the order.