Whether or not the landlord can increase the service charges, it will depend on whether the lease allows the landlord to do so.
The service charge provision in the lease should specify whether the amount you pay is fixed or variable
If the service charges proportion in the lease is not fixed up to a specific amount or according to a formula, then it may be variable. If it is variable it can go up or down and so your landlord can increase your service charge.
However, such increase should be reasonable and the law gives leaseholders the right to challenge the increase if this is not reasonable.
More information you might find useful:
- Service Charges and other issues
- More Frequently Asked Questions on Service Charges
- Resolutions for service charge disputes
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