We are responsible for the upkeep of the structure, exterior and communal parts of your flat or maisonette block and for providing services.
As a leaseholder, you pay a share towards the cost of these services, called a service charge.
Service charge
Your service charge is in 2 parts:
- basic
- specific
The basic charge is for items such as:
- building insurance
- amenity cleansing (cleaning gullies)
- door entry management
- ground maintenance
- management costs
The specific charge is for items to your block such as:
- communal lighting
- cleaning and caretaking
- repairs and maintenance
- heating systems
- lift maintenance
The way we calculate your service charges is set out in your lease. For details of charges for larger works, look at our major works page.
You will receive a breakdown of the service charges for your property before each financial year, which starts on 1 April.
As these are produced at the start of the year we will not know the exact costs for every item and will supply estimated costs based on the previous year’s charges.
When we close our accounts at the end of the financial year, we will work out the actual costs. You will be given these figures in a statement by the end of the following September.
As the estimate is usually different from the actual amount spent, the balance of any over or under charge will be adjusted on your next bill, the following April.
If more is spent than estimated, you will get an increase in your bill and if less is spent, you will get a reduction.
Pay your service charge
You will receive an estimated service charge bill in March or soon after the initial grant of your lease.
You can pay by:
- Direct Debit - by filling out our service charge Direct Debit form (pdf)
- online - using credit or debit card
- phone - using our automated telephone payment 01279 44660 or call us on 01279 446655
- standing order
You can view your current balance and payment details by signing up for a MyHome account.
If you need help paying
If you are currently struggling to pay bills, you can apply for help, which could include deferring service charges for up to 3 months.
If you decide to take up this support it does mean that at the end of the deferral period, payments will resume and will be recalculated over the rest of the financial year. Monthly payments will increase due to the fewer number of months remaining.
If you would like to apply for support please contact us by email at homeownership@harlow.gov.uk or phone us on 01279 446206.
Ground rent
All council leaseholders have to pay an annual ground rent of £10.