Service chargesinfirmary square communal area

A service charge is levied on residents who receive services from Isos. A service charge is a payment made by a tenant or leaseholder towards the costs of providing and maintaining benefits to them that are in addition to those they enjoy within their own homes - for example -

  • communal area grounds maintenance
  • communal area cleaning
  • fire alarm maintenance in communal blocks

Part of the cost of providing estate-based staff such as caretakers is also recoverable through the service charge (but not work that they do on housing management or maintenance).

Tenants service charges are fixed, which means the charge is fixed for a year according to our estimate of costs, and are reviewed annually. All tenants receive a breakdown of their service charge with their annual rent review letter in February each year. All leaseholders have variable service charges, which means they receive an estimate of service charges for the new financial year in March each year and a statement of actual charges for the previous financial year is provided in November each year.

When providing services to residents our aim is to:

  • provide a value for money, cost-effective service that is fair and non-discriminatory
  • deliver services consistently across the housing stock that are of a high quality
  • consult with residents regarding cost and quality of services provided
  • involve residents in the decision-making process regarding how services are delivered.

We will set service charges by taking into account the following:

  • the full cost of the services provided
  • a provision for the maintenance and replacement of equipment used in the supply of the service

Where we are considering the provision of new services, all tenants and leaseholders affected by the proposal will be consulted for their views on the service to be provided before a final decision is made.

Some of our customers are currently working with us on future contractor selection.