A service charge is an amount you pay towards the cost of services provided to your building, estate or scheme. The services included depend on where you live and what is set out in your tenancy agreement.
Your service charge is separate from your basic rent, although the two amounts may appear together on your rent account or annual rent notification.
Your service charge may contribute towards services such as:
• cleaning and maintaining communal areas
• communal lighting and electricity
• grounds maintenance and gardening
• lift servicing and maintenance
• door-entry, fire-safety or other communal systems
• refuse or bulk-waste arrangements
• caretaking or scheme-management services
• communal heating or water, where applicable
• insurance or other property-related services where these are chargeable under your agreement
• management or administration costs connected with providing the services.
Not every resident receives every service. Your charge should only relate to services provided to your property, building, estate or scheme and which Innisfree is entitled to charge under your tenancy agreement.
We review service charge costs each year. The amount is based on the cost of providing the relevant services and the way those costs are shared between the homes that benefit from them.
Your annual rent and service charge notice will tell you the amount you are expected to pay and when it applies.
We will write to you before your rent and service charge changes. The notice should explain the new amount and the date it takes effect.
If you pay by Direct Debit, we will normally adjust your payment. If you use a standing order or another payment arranged through your bank, you are responsible for changing the amount.
We review service charge costs each year and expect the services provided to represent value for money. We also monitor the quality of communal services and contractors.
Tell us if a service you are paying for is not being provided or is not of an acceptable standard. Reporting your concerns first gives us an opportunity to inspect it and put it right.
Report a communal service concern here housing@innisfree.org.uk
Service charges form part of the amount due on your rent account. Contact us as soon as possible if you are struggling to pay. We can discuss your account and signpost you to appropriate benefits or debt advice.
Get help with rent arrears here housing@innisfree.org.uk
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