Ridiculous Service / Maintenance Charge Bill

Henry_Hoover_2

Apologies if this is the wrong board, however I am in need of some help.

I bought an apartment in December, which is managed by Solitaire Property Management.

I have copies of the service charge for previous years, and it was £900 last year, £800 the year before, £700 the year before that.

It is always paid 6 monthly, so last year, the previous owner paid £450 in April and £450 in October.

I have just received the bill that is due for April, and it is £1400 for 6 MONTHS!!

So.. can they increase the yearly service charge by so much?

It is not an adjustment based on last year or anything, as I paid £200 to cover me being persued for any amount outstanding for the previous owner.

No major work has been done - it takes them all their time to fix broken lights, so it's not as if the roof has been retiled or the walls painted!

There is no way I can afford to pay £2800 service change a year. I just dont know what to do.

sukieq

I would ask them for a breakdown of all the costings that relate to the service charge-in writing.

If you look at the Guardian online there have been a number of recent articles regarding rip off service charges and what you can-and can't do about it. Sorry don't know how to do links.

Good luck

bassi_man

I would call the Management Company and ask for an explanation. When me and OH lived in a new build flat we got a similar surprise, but after showing the managment company the figures in our lease they sent us a revised bill. Also get to know your neighbours - ask them what they are being charged. Hope this helps.

Henry_Hoover_2

Thanks for the advice, I've just rang and asked for a breakdown, they will post them to me.

I don't really get change to see my neighbours, but I might knock on a few doors and ask what they are paying.

I've only lived here a few months, and i've already made my mind up - my next proeprty will be a freehold, and one that hasn't got a management company attached!

poppysarah

Time to meet the neighbours I think. Perhaps Dom off BBC1 could come and do a show about ripoff fees

QTPie

Henry_Hoover wrote: »

I've only lived here a few months, and i've already made my mind up - my next proeprty will be a freehold, and one that hasn't got a management company attached!

I know how you feel... (have just sold - well exchanged contracts to sell - our house... ours is freehold, but on a development so will still have service charges and a management company to deal with).

Can't add any advice, but as poppysarah says, speak to your neighbours and work together. Being just one owner isn't much good, if everyone stands together, then you are a lot stronger.

Let us know what happens.

QT

socrates

QTPie wrote: »

I know how you feel... (have just sold - well exchanged contracts to sell - our house... ours is freehold, but on a development so will still have service charges and a management company to deal with).

Can't add any advice, but as poppysarah says, speak to your neighbours and work together. Being just one owner isn't much good, if everyone stands together, then you are a lot stronger.

Let us know what happens.

QT

Service charges are paid by the LL not by the tenants. If it is not paid they will pursue the LL/Owner not the tenant - thus the tenant has no legal commitment to pay.

A LL may decide to include it in the rent but that is between the two parties.

m_13

Your lease should give details of what the Management Company can charge.

Do you think that the fee might include an exceptional amount for something like painting?

Henry_Hoover_2

I'l dig out my lease later and have a read through, see if it mentions anything. Other than that I'm just going to have to sit tight and wait for the breakdown of charges to arrive.

Do you think that the fee might include an exceptional amount for something like painting?

I doubt it, the block is only four years old, and the paintwork/carpets etc look quite tatty now, so I wouldn't have thought it was for a major job.

My partner works from home and is in and out all day, so he would probably have seen if any major repairs / cosmetic work was being done.

I have just found a website - http://www.thetruthaboutsolitaire.co.uk/ - it seems a lot of people are unhappy with the service they are receiving.

GDB2222

The leaseholders have a right to take over the management of the block. You'll need to get nearly all the other leaseholders on board, but they presumably have all had the same bill.

ruggedtoast

My friend lives in a block that fired their management company. Amongst many other things it came to a head when they were all charged £1000 each to pay for communal windows the company hadnt actually changed.

Apparently the company just hoped they wouldnt realise the windows were the same as the old ones and would just pay it.

I believe they set up their own company somehow and now handle all the maintenance as a residents committee.