Property Solutions Tenants' guide to service charges
1. Check all services provided by the landlord are properly within the terms of your lease.
2. Request meetings with the landlord's managing agent quarterly to discuss budget and actual costs as well as progress on actions.
3. Ensure all contracts are regularly re-tendered - services, maintenance & utilities.
4. Regular re-tendering over-specified services will not achieve value for money - make sure the specification is correct.
5. Test other tenants' views on alternative ways of achieving the services you need - particularly manpower - intensive services such as security & cleaning.
6. Check service charge demands carefully for correct apportionment. Are you paying more than your share?
7. Check if equipment can be repaired before agreeing to replacement.
8. Check the detail of any refurbishment - before its starts. The lease may not provide for tenants to contribute towards improvements, alterations or modernisations.
9. Is it reasonable for a tenant to pay for all the refurbishment costs near the end of their lease? The law says it may not be!
10. Seek professional advice if you still believe you are paying too much for your service charges.