Understanding Service Charges (again)…
Service charges enable the maintenance and management of shared spaces within residential developments—in theory, at least. However, there is a growing concern regarding service charge abuse, leaving many residents questioning the fairness and transparency of these fees. Service charges should reflect the services provided, from cleaning and maintenance to utility costs and repairs. Yet when these agreements are mismanaged, residents bear the burden of rising costs for inadequate services. When services aren’t delivered, leaving residents to pay for something they don’t receive, one could call it fraud. With little oversight, these charges are increasing to levels that are making affordable housing quickly become unaffordable.
From Ponzi Schemes to Strikes - Is This Really The Current State of Social Housing?
In recent weeks, concerns have surfaced regarding the financial health of certain housing associations, my own landlord included, prompting discussions about their management practices and the implications for residents and communities.
Service Charge Strikes will follow…
Service Charge Factor - The straw to break the camel's back?
With the start of the new financial year, residents of affordable and shared ownership homes have been sent their service charge bills, with many of us being dismayed at the hike in fees. Service charges are often a bone of contention; many of us dispute the value for money we receive for this charge when, more often than not, services are woefully neglected.
The Service Charge: Understanding the What, Why, and How.
In this blog post, we will delve into the issue of service charges from a housing association tenant's perspective. We will explore ways in which housing associations can reduce costs, examine the impact of service charge increases on tenants, and discuss why tenants may feel they are not receiving value for money.