Disputing a service charge

coley1863

Hi All,

I'm hoping somebody maybe able to give me some advice.

I am currently trying to sell my flat however the most common objection when people view the property is that the service charge is too high. I'd never really considered it before, however on doing some research, it appears I am paying sometimes double of what other people are paying.

My flat has been valued at 70k and is a studio. My Service Charge is 1.5k a year. I am paying the same amount as the rest of the flats in the building, despite them being much larger.

Does anybody out there have any experience in disputing service charges?

Thanks in advance.

booksurr

there is a govt established free advice organisation called lease advice which should be the first port of call for any leasehold related questions

they have a detailed explanation of service charges and how to appeal them on their website. It will answer all your questions. They also give 15 minutes of free advice on a 1 to 1 basis, all you need do is ask (see about us page).

https://www.lease-advice.org/advice-guide/service-charges-and-other-issues/

coley1863

Amazing - Thank you!!

always_sunny

coley1863 wrote: »

.

My flat has been valued at 70k and is a studio. My Service Charge is 1.5k a year. I am paying the same amount as the rest of the flats in the building, despite them being much larger.

That's high! I remember going to see a flat once and the Service Charge was £1k a year and I thought it was really high. Assuming it's for things like lifts, lights, etc the size of the flat wouldn't make much difference.

Is Ground Rent included or on top?

davidmcn

coley1863 wrote: »

I am paying the same amount as the rest of the flats in the building, despite them being much larger.

I don't think that in itself is relevant - the apportionment is (I presume) stated in your lease so you accepted it by becoming tenant. It's pretty common for each flat to pay the same irrespective of their size/value.

As for whether the service charge as a whole is too high - it really depends what you're getting for your money - the occasional repair reluctantly carried out, or something more involved with cleaning, gardening, lift maintenance, fancy stair lighting, etc.

G_M

Before ringing lease advice, get out your copy of the lease and read it. Otherwise your 15 minutes will be wasted.

If you don't understand it, quote IN FULL the relevant sections on service charges here and one of us will try to help.