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?
If my service charge account is in credit, can I have a refund?

If your service charge account is in credit of more than £50, and there is no amount due in respect of major works, then a refund can be given. Contact home ownership services to request a refund form:

Tel: (020) 8825 9506
Email: homeownership@ealing.gov.uk

From 1 April 2005 any credit or debit on a former owner's account at the time of sale transfers with the property and is therefore transferred to the new owner's account. Solicitors are notified of this in presale enquiry packs. If your account was in credit you should ask your solicitor to claim this money back from the purchaser.