Service Charge - Tenant of LL responsibility?

bettie_paige_2

I am going to dig out the breakdowns for the last few years when I get home. As far as I am aware they are always spending it and there is not much left over, but on things that they deem totally necessary (new roof on the garage, anyone?)to replace every couple of years, regardless of whether it is in a bad condition or not!

Communal lighting - ok - I'll give them that. But no communal area bar gardens, one stair case, and I have NEVER known my windows to be cleaned in 4 years!

I've asked around my office and one girl pays £2500 a year in Harlesden, and someone else £2000 in Wimbledon so this isn't unusual, but still unreasonable!

Jomo

Sounds like they are doing unnecessary things like retarmacking the car park and repainting every 2 years?

I would say at a minimum the external paintwork should be done every 3 years and I would say retarmacking wouldn't need doing again for a very long time afterwards. Our block is 12 yrs old approx and has never needed retarmacking and probably won't unless somehow it gets damaged??

Can you say who your management company is??

Fire_Fox

bettie_paige wrote: »

I am going to dig out the breakdowns for the last few years when I get home. As far as I am aware they are always spending it and there is not much left over, but on things that they deem totally necessary (new roof on the garage, anyone?)to replace every couple of years, regardless of whether it is in a bad condition or not!

Communal lighting - ok - I'll give them that. But no communal area bar gardens, one stair case, and I have NEVER known my windows to be cleaned in 4 years!

I've asked around my office and one girl pays £2500 a year in Harlesden, and someone else £2000 in Wimbledon so this isn't unusual, but still unreasonable!

They will only clean windows, or indeed any other duty, if it's specified in your long lease as chargeable - I was just giving you a feel for what is possible. Check if any individual item (repair to roof/ re-tarmac) is costing more than £250 per leaseholders. If so they have to formally consult with all leaseholders, or go to a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal for dispensation not to consult. If the managing agents do neither then only £250 is chargeable!

Post up some of the breakdowns, or share them with your colleagues, or PM one of us. I found comparing my block's breakdowns with my parents' block VERY enlightening.