Why do I pay a service charge, and what does it include?

Ian Gibbs Estate Management Ltd has been appointed to maintain the common parts of the development in which the property is situated. Your obligation to contribute towards your service charge will be detailed in your lease.

The service charge covers the maintenance of any communal internal and external areas. Usually, you can expect your service charge to pay for the following items:

  • The cleaning and maintenance of communal areas
  • The maintenance of any communal gardens
  • The regular servicing of any lifts, plant equipment and electric gates at the development
  • The upkeep of any communal heating systems, if applicable
  • Carrying out repairs in communal areas.

As managing agents, we are usually responsible for the following tasks:

  • Collecting service charges
  • Arranging for the recovery of unpaid charges
  • Preparing, submitting and circulating service charge statements to owners
  • Ensuring that funds are used correctly
  • Engaging and supervising maintenance staff
  • Arranging and managing annual safety or service checks
  • Ensuring the building complies with all relevant fire safety and health & safety legislation
  • Making sure that all insurance on the building is up to date
  • Communicating with tenants in the building
  • Responding to any leaseholders enquiries.