Building Management Company Service Charge 'overspend'

smileyblonde43

Hi Guys
I'm looking for some advice about service charges from my flat's management company.

I live in a part buy/part rent property and have lived her for nearly 4 years. Our service charge has increased in this time, but not dramatically.

Last week I recieved a letter from my management company with 2012-13 'actual accounts'. They have 'overspent' our service charge by £420 per property (12 flats in the property, service charge of roughly £90 a month). A 'Bill' accompanied this letter saying that the £420 needs to be paid within 21 days, but that if we pay by direct debit (which I do), I need do nothing. Does this mean that they will take the money from my account at some point in those 21 days? And surely that is a large sum of money to expect people to pay in one go with such short notice.

I have emailed the company, but have had a standard response email saying they aim to respond to queries within 21 days (not hugely helpful in this circumstance).

Does anyone have any advice about my rights in this? Any would be appriciated right now!

harrys_dad

Maybe cross post to the housing board. there are a number of people on there who know about management charges.