Property managing agents in Brighton
Leasehold properties and services charges generate many questions from property owners. Here are those most frequently asked. Please contact us if you need any further information.
Q. Why do I pay a service charge?
A. The service charge covers all costs associated with the running of the communal parts of the property, e.g. cleaning, gardening, door entry systems and fire alarm maintenance.
Q. How are the service charges calculated?
A. We prepare a budget every year based on actual expenditure for the previous financial year. Where necessary we make a provision for future major expenditure such as internal or external repairs and redecoration.
Q. How often must I pay the service charge?
A. This will be specified in your lease. e.g. quarterly, half yearly or annually. An invoice will be sent to you in advance of the payment due date.
Q. What happens if I can't afford to pay my service charge?
A. You will be in breach of the terms of your lease. However we will in certain circumstances accept monthly payments by standing order.
Q. My service charge is higher than my neighbours. Why is this?
A. Services charges are usually apportioned according to the size of the property. Your lease will tell you the percentage you have to pay.
Q. How will I know what the service charge funds have been spent on?
A. Accounts will be prepared showing the annual expenditure at the property. Flat owners are able to inspect the invoices that make up the accounts.
Q. Why do I pay ground rent?
A. Ground rent is payable to the owner of the land on which your property is situated. The amount and frequency will be specified in your lease.
Q. What should I do if I am not happy with the gardener and cleaner?
A. Please advise us immediately so that we can deal with the matter.
Q. What insurance do I have to arrange?
A. Buildings insurance is almost always covered within the service charge. Your lease will confirm this. Residents must however arrange their own contents insurance.
Q. Can I make alterations to my property?
A. Your lease will confirm the situation in this respect. You will almost certainly be required to obtain permission for the work from the freeholder. It is unlikely that any structural alteration will be permitted.
Q. Can I keep a pet?
A. Again your lease will determine this. Where pets are permitted it is usually on the proviso that they do not cause a nuisance or disturbance to other residents.
Q. Why do I have to pay into a reserve fund?
A. The purpose of a reserve fund is to build up sufficient monies to cover cyclical maintenance such as internal or external redecoration.