Service Charges

Where your service charge goes

Service charges

In accordance with Government guidelines, service charges are based on the cost of providing the service and are separated from the rent. Service charges have been identified and linked to individual properties where appropriate. Service charge elements may include:

• Sewerage
• Lift operation and maintenance
• Communal window cleaning
• Stairway lighting
• Door entry system maintenance
• Caretaking and cleaning
• Communal facilities (sheltered housing units)
• Heating and/or hot water

We can only make reasonable service charges, and the services or work we do must be of a reasonable standard. If you believe that your service charge is unreasonable (in terms of amount charged or standard of work), you may be able to apply to a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal for a decision as to what is reasonable. Details can be obtained from www.rpts.gov.uk.

Paying for support services

Under the Government’s Supporting People programme, a Supporting People charge may apply if you are a tenant of a sheltered housing or other support scheme, are connected to an alarm service or receive other support services that help you stay in your home.

If applicable, these charges will show on your tenancy agreement and/or rent increase letter as ‘supporting people charges’. If you are in receipt of housing benefit, you will qualify for help to pay these charges.

If you do not receive housing benefit, you may be able to get help with paying your support charge by other means (please contact us if you would like more information). Otherwise you will need to make these payments yourself.