Service charges – what does it cover? Service charges – what does it cover? The service charge covers the cost of general maintenance and repairs in a block or estate – making sure all communal areas are fit for purpose and looking their best. It pays for a range of services, from daily tasks like cleaning and groundskeeping to larger jobs such as repairing a lift. Here, Aimee Butt, Client Accounts Coordinator at Block Management UK, looks into what the service charge covers and how it works. What is the service charge for? With any block or estate, time will take its toll – requiring regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it in top condition. This is where the service charge comes in. It pays for staff to clean the communal areas, for groundskeepers to mow the lawns and trim the hedges and for general maintenance like replacing lightbulbs. It is also there for when the worst happens, when major works need to be undertaken, like replacing a leaking roof or repairing a damaged wall. It's there to give landlords peace of mind knowing their tenants are living comfortably, and that their investment will keep its value long into the future. How it works Landlords have a responsibility to maintain a block or estate's communal areas for the benefit of their tenants. The service charge means that they can recoup this cost. Lease agreements include details on the service charge and how much the landlord is charging, often a separate additional figure to rent payments. Money collected as a service charge is usually put in a separate bank account, paying for daily upkeep as well as creating a 'rainy day' fund for unexpected major projects. Block and estate management companies like ours take on both collection of the service charge, as well as organising upkeep, maintenance and repairs on behalf of our clients. If a major repair work needs taking care of, Block Management UK would get quotes for the job to find the best price and ensure the work is completed to the highest standards. This means the building will be kept in good condition and running smoothly, protecting the investment of the landlord and ensuring tenants are looked after. If you would like to know more about Block Management UK Ltd and the services we provide, see here. (15 May 2023 )

Service charges – what does it cover?

The service charge covers the cost of general maintenance and repairs in a block or estate – making sure all communal areas are fit for purpose and looking their best.

It pays for a range of services, from daily tasks like cleaning and groundskeeping to larger jobs such as repairing a lift.

Here, Aimee Butt, Client Accounts Coordinator at Block Management UK, looks into what the service charge covers and how it works.

What is the service charge for?

With any block or estate, time will take its toll – requiring regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it in top condition. This is where the service charge comes in.

It pays for staff to clean the communal areas, for groundskeepers to mow the lawns and trim the hedges and for general maintenance like replacing lightbulbs.

It is also there for when the worst happens, when major works need to be undertaken, like replacing a leaking roof or repairing a damaged wall.

It's there to give landlords peace of mind knowing their tenants are living comfortably, and that their investment will keep its value long into the future.

How it works

Landlords have a responsibility to maintain a block or estate's communal areas for the benefit of their tenants. The service charge means that they can recoup this cost.

Lease agreements include details on the service charge and how much the landlord is charging, often a separate additional figure to rent payments.

Money collected as a service charge is usually put in a separate bank account, paying for daily upkeep as well as creating a 'rainy day' fund for unexpected major projects.

Block and estate management companies like ours take on both collection of the service charge, as well as organising upkeep, maintenance and repairs on behalf of our clients.

If a major repair work needs taking care of, Block Management UK would get quotes for the job to find the best price and ensure the work is completed to the highest standards.

This means the building will be kept in good condition and running smoothly, protecting the investment of the landlord and ensuring tenants are looked after.

If you would like to know more about Block Management UK Ltd and the services we provide, see here.

(15 May 2023 )

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