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Frequently Asked Questions
faqs
These pages try to answer the most commonly asked questions. The answers may be quite general as answers do vary from development to development. If you require a more specific and detailed answer please contact us.


Why do I have to pay a service charge or a ground rent?

The service charge covers all of the running costs of your development such as gardening, cleaning and maintenance etc. Your lease or transfer document specifies these costs and how they are apportioned between individual properties. The service charge is paid into a specific bank account for your development. If we collect ground rent, this cannot be kept in the same account because it is payable to the freeholder or Management Company. Therefore another bank account would be opened for ground rents. Contractors supplying services are paid from the service charge account, not the ground rent account. [Back To Top]

How is the service charge calculated?

A budget is prepared for the forthcoming financial year which is based on actual expenditure from the previous financial period. This includes things like cleaning, gardening, electricity for common areas, repairs and maintenance, buildings insurance, management fees and accountancy charges. Provision is normally made for major works such as redecoration of common parts and usually a separate reserve/sinking fund account is opened for these cyclical works and included in the annual budget. [Back To Top]

How often must I pay the service charge?

This is specified in your lease/transfer document and will usually be quarterly or half-yearly. Invoices are issued in advance of the payment due date. [Back To Top]

How do I pay the service charge?

This can be by cheque, bank transfer or by debit and credit cards. There is a small fee for paying by credit card. In exceptional circumstances, individual arrangements can be set up for payment by standing order for a temporary period [Back To Top]

What if I can’t afford the service charge?

Basically if you do not pay your service charge, you will be in breach of your lease/transfer document because these set out the terms of such documents. If therefore you run into difficulties, please contact us or your mortgage provider if you have one. [Back To Top]

Why is my service charge higher than my neighbour’s

Charges are usually apportioned according to property size.If your service charge is higher than a neighbour's, it may be because your property is larger. [Back To Top]

Will I know how service charges are being spent?

Accounts are prepared showing annual expenditure at your development. The invoices that make up the accounts are available to property owners to inspect. [Back To Top]

Can I sub-let my property?

 It is likely you will require either the Freeholders or Management Company's consent. If it is given it would be conditional on the sub-tenant signing a document to confirm they will abide by the same "rules" as owners. These "rules" can be incorporated within a Tenancy Agreement. The Freeholder or Management Company may stipulate that a professional letting agent or solicitor is used to execute any Tenancy Agreement and that suitable references are obtained. [Back To Top]

I have Noisy Neighbours. Who can assist?

 The first action should always be to discuss it with the neighbour. A friendly invitation for them to hear the noise transmission in your property can usually prove successful.
If, however this is unsuccessful your local environmental health department will have a Noise Control Policy and will provide guidance on the subject. This will include a formal complaints procedure. Alternatively we may be able to give you some guidance. [Back To Top]

Can I make alterations to my property?

 This will depend on the clauses in the legal documents signed at purchase. It is usual in flats that no changes can be made to external appearance, this will include the colour and style of the entry door and windows.
If you live in a flat your lease may stipulate how often you are required to decorate the inside of your property. [Back To Top]

I live in a flat and water is dripping through my ceiling. What should I do?

 The first action would be to contact the person above. If they are home and you can't find the source of water turn off their water supply at the mains stop cock for that property.
It is their responsibility to repair the fault or call a plumber.
If the person above is not at home, put a note through their door asking them to contact you as soon as possible and why.
You can contact Broadlands and we will contact them if they have provided this office with contact details. [Back To Top]

What are the arrangements for cleaning and maintenance?

Cleaning your flat is your responsibility. General cleaning and maintenance of common areas, such as stairs and gardens, is carried out by independent maintenance companies. If any maintenance is not carried out regularly, please let us know. [Back To Top]

What should I do if I have condensation problems?

 Condensation is a common problem in modern buildings, but there are a few things you can do to help reduce it.
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To contact us please call David on 01908 698804 or email david.wilson@broadlandsem.co.uk alternatively you can contact us via this web site by clicking here.