Service Charge update cost is now 10x original

James889

I have just discovered that a charge I was not expecting has gone to solicitors for collection with significant additional charges on it to 10x the original. It is an intermediate service charge to align a previous budget so not part of the normal 6 months cycle so I was not aware to look out for it. What can I do to reduce the charges as I was unaware until now? Thanks

eskbanker

What does the company levying the charge say about it?  Is there anything in the relevant Ts & Cs covering this?

James889

It is a legitimate charge. I was just unaware of it. I have no issues paying it but they now want over 10x the original charge in "fees". 

subjecttocontract

What are the circumstances that resulted in you being unaware ?

user1977

"Service charge" in what context? If communal charges for a flat/house then better on the House Buying etc board than here, as "normal" consumer rights don't really apply:

House buying, renting & selling — MoneySavingExpert Forum

eskbanker

James889 said:

I was not aware to look out for it.

James889 said:

It is a legitimate charge. I was just unaware of it.

To what extent is the onus on you to look out for charges rather than on them to notify you?

James889

I managed to get some legal advice and will be disputing the charge.

LightFlare

James889 said:

I managed to get some legal advice and will be disputing the charge.

I hope the legal advice advised you to pay under protest and then dispute it.

Ectophile

LightFlare said:

James889 said:

I managed to get some legal advice and will be disputing the charge.

I hope the legal advice advised you to pay under protest and then dispute it.

Pay 10 times the amount, and try to get it back again, once you've paid it?

HampshireH

The question is why were you unaware. They would have written to you at the address they have for you.

Was that incorrect? When you say you didn't look out for it does that mean you don't open post?

It's rare a company won't provide a statement before collection

LightFlare

Ectophile said:

LightFlare said:

James889 said:

I managed to get some legal advice and will be disputing the charge.

I hope the legal advice advised you to pay under protest and then dispute it.

Pay 10 times the amount, and try to get it back again, once you've paid it?

Maybe the OP will divulge the amounts involved.

If it was £20 or so and there is now £200 due to late fees etc then that’s would possibly be within the realms of “ok”

A jump from £200 to £2000 less so - it will also depend on what the contract with the management company states about late fees etc

Not paying a management/service charge is still generally a very bad idea no matter what the amounts as the consequences can be quite severe