Service Charge Additional Costs

NMH

Hi all,

Sorry, I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this, I am new here but need a bit of advice.
I live in a flat that has Trinity estates as a management company.

I received a letter a few months back to say that they are looking at performing redecoration works on the communal areas of a few blocks of flats and this was estimated to be around £10k in cost, most of which would be taken from the redecoration fund but there would be a surplus which I would need to pay at the end.

I asked Trinity Estates for what works were to be carried out for this but they never got back to me. a couple of months later I noticed that they have painted the walls and railings but this is all I have seen done.

I received the invoice for more money a couple of days ago which states it needs to be paid within 30 days.

I replied to them asking if I can have a break down of works that were carried out and costs involved to get a reply saying that I have already been informed of the indention to carry out the redecoration on the block of flats but this was not a break down and just a vague estimate.

They have already put the service charge up but a couple of hundred this year advising this would help cover the redecoration costs.

I take it that I am in my rights to push for a breakdown of costs and jobs carried out for this money?

Thank you for your help and advice

HampshireH

How much was the additional costs?

Did they consult using the s.20 process?

https://www.flatmanagers.co.uk/client-help/section-20-notices-explained/

NMH

Hi,


Thank you for the reply, I believe it was this they originally informed me but never got back to me with a plan of works or costs involved.


The extra charge is for £200, I don't mind paying, I just don't want to be ripped off.


A list of works and costs for those works would be nice but it looks like they don't want to give this to me, is this normal?


Thanks again

HampshireH

You have a right to know what you are paying for.

Not sure whether legally they are required to provide a full schedule of works but I cannot see why they would have reason to object.

Don't expect a breakdown of costs on each painted itme though. They would have sought overall quotes I would imagine based on a specification.

£200 isn't an unreasonable increase

G_M

Whatever you do, do not miss th 30 day deadline.


If you want to oursue the matter, make the payment with a covering letter saying you do so under protest and reserve the right to demand a refund. That gives you time to pursue further without risking getting late-payment charges.

NMH

Thank you for your help, I will try to push a bit harder to see what was done but will make sure I pay on time.