Service charges FAQs

What is the difference between 'estimated' and 'actual' service charges?
How are 'estimated' service charges calculated?
How are final accounts calculated and why are they issued in September when the financial year ends on 31 March?
What do I need to do when I receive the final accounts?
What is a Section 20B Notice and what should I do if I receive one?
Why should I have to pay a final accounts adjustment for a period when I was not the leaseholder?
What does 'estate services' include and how is it calculated?
Why am I charged a 'management fee' and what does it cover?
Why am I charged for abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal and pest control if these services were not carried out to my block?
Why should I pay for graffiti removal if the council say they will remove it for free?
Why should I have to pay towards a stairwell or lift if I live on the ground floor and do not use them?
What should I do if I am not happy with the cleaning or gardening service?
Why is my service charge different to that of my neighbour when we live in the same block?
How can I get a statement of my service charge account?
I am getting behind with my service charge payments. What will Ealing Council do?

Under the terms of your lease agreement you are responsible for paying your service charge by the 15th day of each month. In the first instance we will write to you informing you that your service charge account has fallen into arrears and request that you arrange to bring your account up-to-date immediately. If you are unable to make the required payment then you should contact us immediately. The contact details will be shown on the letter that we send to you. If you have a mortgage, your mortgage lender may be able to assist you. They may pay the outstanding bill/arrears on your behalf and add it to your mortgage. This might be cheaper than getting a loan.
If my service charge account is in credit, can I have a refund?