Service charge for support scheme

wildwestfan

My friend lives in a 1 bedroomed bungalow rented from a Housing Trust. the property is considered 'sheltered housing' based I believe on the fact that many years ago there was a warden employed and living on site. There no longer is anyone in this capacity.

He has just received notification that there is to be a levy of £500 a year charged on his rent because the County Council have withdrawn funding for the support scheme the Trust run and to make up the money the Trust are imposing this levy on all those properties they consider come under the 'sheltered' umbrella.

My friend neither wants or will ever use this proposed 'support' and will find it very difficult to pay an extra £500 a year as a pensioner on a fixed income. Apparently if he was in receipt of housing Benefit it would be tacked onto that and paid that way which seems a gross misuse of Housing Benefit to me.

Is there any way to not pay this large extra charge? Would there need to be a change to his Tenancy Agreement?

pmlindyloo

The first thing I would do would to have a thorough read of his tenancy agreement and any other handbook that he may have to see if there was any mention of service charges (I am presuming this is what they are?) and whether there was a clause mentioning charging for these


Then I would consider what these service charges are covering. You say there is no warden but are other services done - window cleaning/maintenance of gardens for instance?


If there appears to be nothing stated in the tenancy agreement and handbook to allow these charges then I would take both to the council and ask the private tenancy officer (may be another 'title') to look at it and advise.


Lastly, if the charges stand and paying then would put your friend in financial hardship then I would be checking that he is receiving all the benefits that he is entitled to.

wildwestfan

There is already a small weekly service charge to cover mowing the grass and the laundry facilities. Completely acceptable and no issues with paying for services he accepts are of benefit to all the tenants.

However the proposed extra charge is for something that at least 50% of tenants do not want or will use. Looking at the rules (very complicated:() I am not sure that this is something that Housing Benefit will cover so could potentially be a huge cost to many people.

My friend does not claim any means tested benefits and works on the principle that he only has what he can pay for. Old fashioned I know but doubt he will change now as he is approaching 80!