Service Charges
This is an area of law that some people do not take as seriously as they should
Obtaining advice early reduces the risks
This is an area of law that some people do not take as seriously as they should as the consequences can be overwhelming. Some people fall behind with payments and cannot afford their service charges but do not understand that they should prioritise this payment as they risk the possibility of losing their property. Some people do not believe they should pay their service charges as the Managing Agents may not maintain the building or carry out the repairs or maintenance they are supposed to and others just believe that the amount of their service charge is too high. This is a situation that should not be left unattended, this is a situation that can be assessed and potentially challenged.
There are ways to deal with issues regarding service charges but withholding payment is not the right thing to do.
There are very serious consequences if you do not pay your service charge. Obtaining advice early reduces the risks. Remember the Managing Agents and Freeholders are not there to be friends with the leaseholders, they are there to do their job and make money. In simple terms a person’s home is at risk if they do not pay their service charges.
Each client will need to obtain advice on their own particular case as two cases with similar circumstances could have different outcomes