As your flat or maisonette is part of a block or is within a building that has more than just your home, you must pay a share of the costs for managing the building and services your home benefits from.

These services include:

• cleaning: buildings that have communal areas are cleaned by our cleaning contractors
• communal electric: this is the cost of lighting or electric heating to any communal area and entrances
• communal gas: the cost of communal gas heating systems
• buildings insurance: the premium is part of a block policy which covers all of our leasehold properties
• grounds maintenance: for blocks with communal grounds, they are maintained by us and our contractors and includes sweeping, mowing grass, pruning shrubs and trees and planting or re-planting where necessary
• response repairs: we are responsible for keeping the communal areas in good repair, this charge varies from year to year depending on the costs of repairs being carried out
• management administration: charged at a percentage, this includes planning and managing the contracts, providing contract specifications, monitoring contractors’ performance, staff ordering repairs and inspecting work before and after completion
• records and accounts charge: the cost of providing the leasehold service required under the terms of your lease and current legislation

How service charges are calculated

Your service charges for the year are an estimated charge and a breakdown of the estimated charges are sent to you in March every year.

At the end of the financial year, when all invoices for the previous year have come in and been settled, we can then calculate the exact service charge cost to you for that year.

We will send a letter with the difference between the estimated charge and the actual charge. This will explain any adjustments which need to be made and an itemised repairs list if your block has had any repairs. These letters are sent out as soon as we have all the information, which is usually around September.

Bournemouth leaseholders

In Bournemouth, your service charge is based on the number of flats receiving a service which may vary depending on the service being provided.

Poole leaseholders

In Poole, your lease outlines the percentage contribution that we charge you for services to your block. For example, if you live in a block of 4, your lease is likely to say that you will be charged 25% of the total costs of the upkeep of your block.

How to pay service charges

Bournemouth leaseholders

Bournemouth service charges can be paid over 10 monthly payments from May until February. We encourage all leaseholders to pay by Direct Debit.

Poole leaseholders

Poole service charges are due quarterly in advance. However, most leaseholders prefer to make 12 monthly payments by direct debit over the year. We can accept monthly and quarterly direct debits and these can be set up over the phone with the income team.