Whether you best relate to tenant, resident, occupier, leaseholder, shared owner, homeowner, or freeholder, we’re committed to meeting your expectations, tackling your concerns and focusing on your priorities. To help with this, we’ve put together some information about your service charge and the communal areas around your home.
What am I paying a service charge for?
If you own the freehold of a property (meaning you own the land and the building outright) you may still have to pay a service charge. Service charges for freehold properties are also known as "Estate Charges".
This typically applies to new build estates or private developments, where the local authority doesn't maintain the communal areas. In such cases, the developer or a management company will be responsible for maintaining these shared spaces (i.e. open public places, planted areas and roads) and recover the costs through service charges, which all homeowners, including freeholders, should pay.
Please note: the managing agents or companies looking after your shared spaces may set the service charges rates, rather than us.
Why freeholders pay service charges
Although you may not always see the areas you pay a service charge for, there are various reasons it needs to be paid, including:
Communal area maintenance
Even as a freeholder, you benefit from the upkeep of shared spaces such as roads, landscaping, or recreational facilities. If you have any issues with the communal areas where you live, please get in touch with our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540.
Contractual obligation
The obligation to pay service charges is usually outlined in your property's title deeds or transfer documents. If you need a copy of these, the solicitor who helped you to purchase your property can help with this, or you can get them directly via the Land Registry.
How can I discuss my service charge?
If you have any questions about your service charge, please get in touch with our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540.
If you disagree with your rent or service charge, you can get advice from the Leasehold Advisory Service.
