Your lease will tell you whether or not the landlord can increase your service charges.
It will specify whether the amount you pay is fixed or variable.
Some older leases allow a fixed service charge – a specific amount or a formula – regardless of the actual costs to the landlord.
However, most service charges are based on the actual or estimated cost of the services, and so may change from year to year. These are known as variable service charges. Your landlord can increase a variable service charge.
Any increases must be reasonable. You have the legal right to challenge an increase that is not reasonable at a tribunal.
More information you might find useful:
- What should I do if my service charge jumps up?
- Service Charges and other issues
- More Frequently Asked Questions on Service Charges
- Resolutions for service charge disputes
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