Payment of service charges is one of the fundamental pillars in any landlord and tenant relationship. In order that a landlord can provide services, a leaseholder pays a service charge.
Disputes
Service charge disputes take a variety of different forms. Some of the most common service charge disputes include:
- non-payment of service charges because the terms of the lease haven’t been compiled with (including pre-conditions to payment)
- non-payment of service charges because the costs aren’t recoverable under the terms of the lease
- arguments regarding the standard of services provided
- arguments regarding the standard of the works
- non-compliant and invalid service charge demands
- unreasonable service charges
- failures to consult (or obtain dispensation from consultation)
Non-payment of service charges
Service charges enable landlords (and management companies to provide services. That’s why non-payment of service charges impacts the ability of a landlord (or management company) to provide services.
In other words, disputes about service charges and non-payment often go hand in hand.
That’s why it’s so important to deal with service charge disputes efficiently and effectively.
Heading service charge disputes off at the pass
We’re firm believers in resolving disputes before they escalate.
Here’s some of the most common disputes, and how we could help to avoid escalation:
- non-compliant or invalid service charge demands – we can review your demands to ensure they accord with the statutory restrictions
- costs aren’t recoverable under the lease – we can review your lease and advise whether certain costs or heads of expenditure are recoverable via the service charge mechanism in the lease
- failure to consult – we can assist in an application to the Tribunal for dispensation from consultation
- non-compliance with the terms of the lease – we can review your lease and advise you about the contractual restrictions on the recovery of service charges and any pre-conditions to payment that have to be satisfied
Our expertise
Whatever the nature of your service charge dispute, we’re on hand to advise, guide and represent you throughout the process.
And you’ll be in safe hands. We’re experts in our field.
