Service Charges

What are service charges?

Service charges are your share of the cost of managing, providing services and carrying out repairs to the communal parts of the block or estate where you live.

Service charges are paid by all leaseholders living in properties that benefit from communal services. Leaseholders pay a portion of the cost for delivery of these services.

These services can vary from estate to estate but generally cover:

• Buildings insurance

• Cleaning of communal areas/caretaking services

• Communal lighting

• Grounds maintenance

• Ground rent

• Management and administration fees

• Shared heating and hot water

• Window cleaning

How can I pay my service charges?

Your lease will determine the way you are billed for your service charges but in general there are two types of billing:

1. Annually in arrears

2. Advanced

We will send you an invoice which lets you know how much you need to pay for the specific charge.

With major works and improvements extended payment terms will be arranged. These will be outlined during the consultation period.

The methods of payment we offer are:

• Online payments

• Automated telephone payment

• Direct Debit. Click here to complete a Direct debit form

• Cheque or postal orders

• Standing orders

• Text phone

• International bank transfer

• Cashiering service*

* Please note that cash is not accepted at the Council Offices. Cheques should be made payable to St Alans District Council.

What if I have problems paying my leasehold charges?

If you have difficulties paying your service charge please contact the Leasehold Officer on 01727 819578 or email leasehold@stalbans.gov.uk.

Alternatively you can call the Income Department on 01727 819222. They can offer the following options:

• Negotiation of a realistic repayment plan

• Assistance in payment options

Advice is also available from the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB).

Please do not ignore any invoice as failure to act may result in final demands as legal action  may be taken against you.

What if I disagree with the charges?

If you feel we have worked out some charges incorrectly you must contact:

• The Leasehold Officer on 01727 819578 or by email leasehold@stalbans.gov.uk or

Tell us what you think is wrong and we will look into it.

We always attempt to calculate charges fairly and correctly but we will investgate and respond to any disputed charge.

You also have the right to apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) - an independent decision making body which is completely unconnected to the parties or any other public agency. The LVT will look at the matter of the Leasehold Dispute for the property following an application to the LVT. Both parties must abide by their decision.

For further information on the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal please contact the Leasehold Officer on 01727 819578 or email leasehold@stalbans.gov.

What if I fail or refuse to pay my service charges?

Failure to pay your service charges will be breaking the terms of your lease and possibly your mortgage agreement.

If we do not receive a payment we will instruct our legal department to start proceedings against you. You may have to pay extra legal and administration charges.

In extreme cases the court may decide that you have seriously broken the terms of your lease and give us posession of your flat.

If you do not pay your service charges you may lose your leasehold property.