Service charges

A service charge is a payment made by a tenant or homeowner towards the cost of services and repairs beyond those specifically for their house or flat.

The Service Charge is collected in accordance with the requirements of each individual lease.

What kind of services are covered? 

If you live in a block of flats with a shared space, the cost of maintaining that shared space is covered by a service charge. This is because the shared space is available to all residents, and it's not part of any individual property.

If you're a leaseholder, you will be invoiced for ground rent, services to the block or estate, responsive repairs, maintenance; a management fee and buildings insurance.

As a freeholder, you will be invoiced for services to the estate including routine estate repairs,
maintenance and a management fee.

Here are some common services that may be included in your service charge:

• Cleaning/caretaking of communal areas within a building, including hallways and stairs
• Communal heating / hot water maintenance
• Lift maintenance
• Block and estate CCTV maintenance
• Communal door entry maintenance
• Gardens

More information

For more information about service charges view the information guide: Service Charges Explained.