Document Actions
Rents and Service Charges
Service Charge
The service charge covers the costs of providing and maintaining services at each estate. These vary from estate to estate but might include:
-
Facilities such as the gardens, lounge, library, guest room
-
Estate equipment such as the door entry, alarm systems, lifts
-
Estate manager
-
Usually for home owners the building insurance
-
Any support services, such as cleaning, depending upon the estate
How is it calculated?
Every year we look at the money spent on providing services on each estate. We then invite all residents to meet us so we can discuss the standards they expect in the coming year and estimate the budget for this.
-
The service charge can vary from year to year, depending on the cost of the services which are provided
-
On a small number of estates (where there is a central boiler or water meter) hot water and heating costs are collected through the service charge
-
On a small number of estates where a meal is provided, the cost of this is collected through the service charge
-
For those who rent, some elements of the service charge are eligible for housing benefit, depending upon circumstances
-
If you rent your property, then we collect the service charge along with your rent
Rents
-
For homeowners, the ground rent which is charged is stated in the lease or transfer
-
For people who rent from Hanover, the sum payable as ‘rent’ is made up of rent, service charge and ‘Supporting People’ charge
-
The rent for all properties is payable monthly by standing order, direct debit or by using a swipe card at the Post Office (provided by Hanover)
-
We use a government-set formula to work out the rents payable on our rented properties which all registered social landlords must use
Please contact us for up to date information on rents - we can also provide you with our guide to rent restructuring for residents. We can advise you whether you may be eligible for help with the rent from Housing Benefit.
Support charges
-
Support charges meet the cost of providing certain support services and cover Supporting People services, such as help with benefit claims
-
We identify these costs separately, so that where possible it may be paid by the “Supporting People” authority
-
Whether you rent or have bought your property, you may be entitled to financial help with this charge and we are able to advise you further. See our Benefits and Entitlements page for more information
Other costs
You are responsible for the payment of all your own bills, such as electricity, council tax and home contents insurance. You are also responsible for paying your water rates. In some cases, the cost of water supplied to your property will be included in the service charge but we can advise you about this.
If you require further information about our charges, please contact us.
