Leasehold service charges

The following sets out a summary of some of the service charges you might pay as a leasehold customer:

• Repairs provision for communal repairs

  All communal repairs are managed by us and the cost of which is proportioned by properties in your block and included in your service charge account. We can offer you a comprehensive repairs service should anything go wrong in your home. 

• Window cleaning

  Our contractor will clean all external windows. In adverse weather conditions, the contractor may ask for permission to defer the cleaning of windows. 

• Garden maintenance

  Our contractor has a clear specification of works to complete at certain times of the year. We only charge you for works directly related to your block. 

• Communal electricity

  The cost of electricity from the landlord’s meter to communal lighting, television signal boosters, fire detection equipment, door entry systems and emergency lighting in each block. 

• Buildings insurance

  We can send you details of your annual premium and a notice from the insurer / broker. Please contact the leasehold team.  

  All our sheltered leasehold schemes are covered under North Somerset Council's main property insurance scheme with Chartis Insurance. 

• Support services

  A set fee per week for the call monitoring facility. 

• Servicing of firefighting equipment

  Where firefighting equipment exists, these are regularly checked, serviced and maintained by qualified specialist engineers. 

• Fire panel testing

  The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and British Standard BS5839 require us to check the fire detection system at every block of flats on a weekly basis, where a communal fire panel exists. 

• Legionella water management

  We're required to protect tenants and leaseholders by completing adequate water management and testing where a communal water system exists. We adhere to all statutory requirements and best practice guidance in this area. 

• Communal cleaning

  Where this service takes place, the cost of a weekly clean to all communal parts of the building. 

• Gas servicing

  If you have subscribed to our gas servicing contract, the cost will be payable separately to your service charges. 

• Ground rent

  A fixed amount charged in accordance with your lease. 

• Management charge

  The cost of support and administration of the leasehold service including the collection of service charges and undertaking resident involvement activities. 

• Servicing Intelligent Electrics

  Servicing, repairing and replacing door entry and emergency lighting. 

• Servicing Alarm Equipment

  Servicing, repairing and replacing the alarm system or appliances. 

• Lift Maintenance

  Maintenance, cleaning, repair, electrical and fire testing, insurance and provision for major repairs or replacement of lifts, including stairlifts in communal areas. 

• Digital TV Systems

  Provision of equipment (such as aerials, central amplifier or masts) to enable access free-to-air television and radio, including servicing and repairing. 

• Sinking Fund Contribution

  A sinking fund is a long-term savings account that sheltered leaseholders contribute to every month through service charges. This builds up every year and is used to pay for major work that is required, such as replacing a roof. 

• Reductions & local arrangements

  From time to time, we may agree not to recharge all or part of a specific element of your service charge. 

You can also download your copy of our schedule of fees & charges for 2023-2024