Service Charge
If you buy a flat, you will become a leaseholder. This will mean that you will have to pay a portion of the costs involved in the maintenance of the building – these costs are named ‘service charges’. Paying them is one of the requirements of your lease.
Service charges usually cover things like repairs, and services to communal areas that you share with their neighbours. These services might include:
- maintaining communal areas
- maintaining lifts
- arranging building insurance
- arranging fire risk assessments
- providing lighting to communal corridors
You normally have to pay a portion of the cost, even if you don’t use all the services. For example, if you live on the ground floor and never use the lift, you will still have to pay towards its maintenance.
Ground rent
Ground rent is a fee you must pay as a condition of your lease for the land your home is on. It must be paid on its due date – we can take legal action if you do not pay it.
Major works
From time to time, we will need to carry out major works to the building or estate (which will include your home).
As a leaseholder, you will need to contribute towards the cost of these works.
To recover the full cost of these works, we will write to you. This is required by law. We will let you know what the works are, and how much they will cost.
This consultation process will take a minimum of 60 days to complete.
Examples of major works include:
• repairs to - or replacement of - the roof, windows or communal areas
• external decorating
• painting of internal communal areas
• health and safety upgrades
Are you struggling to pay your service charges?
Please be aware that not paying your service charges is a breach of your lease agreement. It can result in further action being taken against you.
If you are struggling to pay your services charges, please contact us.
Phone 0300 1234000
Email housing.ownership@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk