Service Charges
We are committed to providing a transparent and high-quality service. Here’s what you need to know about your service charges.
What are service charges?
Service charges cover the cost of maintaining and managing shared spaces and services. They ensure your community is safe, clean, and well-maintained. Services may include:
Cleaning and maintenance of shared areas like hallways and gardens.
Repairs to shared facilities like lifts or lighting.
Utility costs for communal areas (heating, water, and electricity).
Insurance for the building.
Management fees for handling these services.
Frequently asked questions
How are service charges calculated?
We calculate service charges based on actual costs and planned budgets. We apply what it has cost to provide the services over the past three years, along with what we know about future expenses, such as major repairs.
Types of service charges
There are 2 types of service charges depending on what type of tenancy you have with IDS:
- Fixed Charges: These are set for the year and do not change, even if costs go up or down.
- Variable Charges: These are adjusted if actual costs differ from what we have estimated during the year.
What happens if costs change?
We will notify you if additional charges are needed. For some of our buildings we collect a Reserve Fund (also known as a sinking fund) from Shared Owners and Leaseholders which may be used for major works. These are savings set aside specifically for big repairs and replacements, and help avoid one-off big payments.
Consulting you on changes
If we intend to make a change to a service that you pay a service charge for we will involve you in in that decision. We will specifically consult with you on whether to add or remove a service. We will also consult with you on any major repairs that will cost over £250 per household (following legal Section 20 consultation rules).
What if you have questions or disputes?
Please contact us directly if you have questions or concerns. We will do our best to help you but if we can’t resolve the issue you can seek advice from the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE), or use the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for formal resolutions. You can also submit a complaint through our Complaints Service.
Contact us
Our Housing Team is ready to assist with any questions you may have about our service charges. For more information, just get in touch we’re here to help.