MENTAL Service Charge Prices!!

glottalstop

I can understand your surprise at such a sudden increase. If you received a "reviewed" service charge consultation, you will know who it came from and it should explain the basis for the charge. If you have just had redecorations done and your small block doesn't have a reserve fund to smooth over the effects of major works, this will be causing a hike in charges. You may find that external works are also due, or safety inspections etc.

£30/month is ridiculously low, and perhaps explains why you are without reserve funds. That amount seems barely enough to insure the building and pay the electric bill.

£120/month sounds reasonable, and may include the effect of VAT increase, it is the jump not the amount which you might feel is unreasonable. The previous regime / charges were insufficient. The new charge is not so high that you should be thinking of LVT action without a specific complaint.

But, you should ask the manager to explain the costs, and get comfort that it is not likely to jump again. And read your lease carefully, which will identify all the services you are paying for, and what you can expect in return.

mirrorimage0

my old flat is in a block of six and we pay roughly around £107 per monh, you should get a list of all works that have been done and the amount it costs

ttd14

valten wrote: »

‘maintenance fees’ are a real pain and are subject to little or no regulation. You also have virtually no consumer rights and thus companies can pretty much charge what they like in the knowledge there is little you can do about it. It’s a total racket.

I would suggest talking to your neighbours, they will also be subject to the same fee’s and will almost certainly be just as outraged at a 400% rise. If enough of you agree you can fire your maintenance company.

Actually, it's subject to a fair amount of Law..

Check the budget to see where the increases have occured and decide what to do then. It may be that is necessary and therefore reasonable. If you're looking to dispute it, be specific about what you're disputing.