Helping homeowners understand their service charge
If you’re a homeowner with Longhurst Group, you might have to make service charge payments to cover the costs of services provided to you. These payments will all be made in accordance with your lease or transfer. Service charges only cover the costs we are charged by providers. We provide a full breakdown of service charges to customers each year.
We regularly receive questions relating to service charges and we’ve put together the following frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand more.
You can expect to receive a service charge estimate around February each year detailing the estimated costs for the next financial year, usually April to March. You’ll then receive a copy of the actual accounts that will show the final costs within six months of the end of the financial year.
When we provide a copy of the accounts to you, we’ll advise how you can either make payment for the deficit, or how you can arrange a refund of any surplus.
This is when the service charge is estimated at the beginning of the financial year based on quotes received and prior expenditure for the services provided to you. As mentioned above, you’ll receive a copy of the actual accounts that’ll show the final costs within six months of the end of the financial year.
If your lease or transfer permits the collection of a sinking fund, we’ll collect a contribution based on the estimated expenditure of replacing, repairing, or renewing large communal items that we’re responsible for, such as a new roof or replacement doors. The contributions are held in trust in a separate account until they’re needed.
You may have to contribute towards communal electricity and water charges. These are for items such as communal internal and external lighting, or water supply to communal gardens. You’re normally responsible for all utility supplies that directly serve your property and any charges from external suppliers intended for your own personal domestic use.
Management Fee - In accordance with your lease or transfer, you’re required to pay a fee to us for items such as managing and implementing service charges, setting up contracts where required, managing rent/service charge accounts, administration costs and the costs incurred in providing a dedicated Home Ownership Team.
Management Company charge – This is a cost you’ll pay when a third party/agent has been appointed to provide additional services to a scheme/block or estate.
Grounds maintenance charges are for communal areas that aren’t maintained by the local authority.
No, you’ll be required to source your own contents insurance to protect your own belongings.
Direct debit - If you’d like to set up a direct debit, please call us on 0800 111 4013 and ask for the
Home Ownership Team. Alternatively, please visit our website to complete our online form.
One-off payment - Please call us on 0800 111 4013 to make a one-off payment.
You can view your statement by visiting our website and logging into ‘My Account’. If you’re not registered, please visit our website and submit your request via ‘contact us’.
If you’re struggling to pay your service charge, please contact our dedicated Home Ownership Team on 0800 111 4013 at the earliest opportunity. We’re here to help and can discuss payment options, benefit advice, and have access to independent organisations that can support you with your financial situation.