Service Charge and Debt collectors

Wenpat

Hi
I’m looking for advice as at a loss to know how to go forward with this situation 
I bought my flat in June this year at the time the management company was changing hands. I received a letter from the new management company late august , introducing themselves and their portal.   My mistake I didn’t go on the portal at had t realised this was the way I pay the service charge!! The letter didn’t explain this . I went on in October to find out why I hadn’t received invoices to see the invoice on the system with £220 legal fees and £180 admin fee 
I went on a live chat and was told this was  debt collectors fees and admin charges   I haven’t received anything from a debt collecting agency . So am I in a position to dispute these charges.  I’m concerned that whilst trying to see where I stand with this they will be escalating charges without contacting me
any advise would be welcome
thankyou

MovingForwards

Wenpat said:

Hi
I’m looking for advice as at a loss to know how to go forward with this situation 
I bought my flat in June this year at the time the management company was changing hands. I received a letter from the new management company late august , introducing themselves and their portal.   My mistake I didn’t go on the portal at had t realised this was the way I pay the service charge!! The letter didn’t explain this . I went on in October to find out why I hadn’t received invoices to see the invoice on the system with £220 legal fees and £180 admin fee 
I went on a live chat and was told this was  debt collectors fees and admin charges   I haven’t received anything from a debt collecting agency . So am I in a position to dispute these charges.  I’m concerned that whilst trying to see where I stand with this they will be escalating charges without contacting me
any advise would be welcome
thankyou

Ask in the house buying section
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/house-buying-renting-selling

MalMonroe

Hi, 

Yes, you can always dispute any charges. (I don't think you need to ask in the house buying section on this occasion, since your query is about charges and fees rather than the buying of a property.)

You need to speak to someone in the new Management Company as soon as possible to explain your position as you have done here in your original post - plus the fact that you didn't realise that you had to logon to their portal in order to pay the charges because their introduction letter did not specify that. You could also make the point that you were mortified to see the invoice with legal fees and admin charges after you did logon. 

It'd be best to speak to someone on the phone, rather than do an online chat. 

MovingForwards

MalMonroe said:

Hi, 

Yes, you can always dispute any charges. (I don't think you need to ask in the house buying section on this occasion, since your query is about charges and fees rather than the buying of a property.)

You need to speak to someone in the new Management Company as soon as possible to explain your position as you have done here in your original post - plus the fact that you didn't realise that you had to logon to their portal in order to pay the charges because their introduction letter did not specify that. You could also make the point that you were mortified to see the invoice with legal fees and admin charges after you did logon. 

It'd be best to speak to someone on the phone, rather than do an online chat. 

It's still related to buying a property and the question frequently pops up, especially within the first few years of owning somewhere.

It's definitely not "a local bargain" as none of us can rush out and buy it 😉

Edit to add link to new thread, where the relevant information is being provided:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6396899/service-charge-debts#latest