Service charges · the UK

Direct answer

Service charges must be itemised and backed by invoices you are allowed to see, and only costs the law or your contract allows can be passed on. Ask for the full statement and the invoices in writing first — a surprising number of disputes end there. If you rent, Shelter (0808 800 4444) checks the statement and, in many countries, the tenancy body fixes the lawful amount. Owners in a building association contest decisions through Community mediation services (local council or charity) (gov.uk) first, then County Court — money claim online (gov.uk) within the short legal deadline.

Call firstCommunity mediation services (local council or charity)

Report toShelter

If that failsCounty Court — money claim online

🗣️ What to say

"I dispute the service charge statement of [date] for [address]. Please send the itemised breakdown and the underlying invoices for [items]. Until I have them I pay the undisputed part of [amount]. I reserve the right to contest [items] which are not chargeable under [contract / law]."

🪜 Step by step

Ask for the invoicesYou are entitled to inspect them. Set a deadline of two to four weeks.
Check what is chargeableRepairs and improvements are usually the landlord's, not the tenant's; management fees are capped in some countries.
Pay the undisputed partAnd say so in writing — it prevents a default while you contest the rest.
Tenant: ShelterThe tenant organisation or tenancy body checks the statement and can set the lawful amount.
Owner: Community mediation services (local council or charity), then County Court — money claim onlineMediation first; association decisions must be challenged in court within a short deadline, often one month from the meeting.

📇 All contacts

Community mediation services (local council or charity)Free or low-cost neighbour mediationNeighbour and housing disputes🔗 www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes

ShelterFree housing adviceBefore you write, and if the deposit was never protected📞 0808 800 4444 🔗 www.shelter.org.uk

County Court — money claim onlineClaims without a solicitor; up to 3× the deposit if it was unprotectedWhen the scheme cannot help🔗 www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money

Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresLegal aid on low income, free adviceWhen you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0345 345 4 345 🔗 www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

❓ Frequently asked

The statement came two years late

Late statements are often unenforceable for the excess — most countries set a deadline after the year end. Shelter knows yours.

Can I withhold the whole amount?

No — pay what is clearly due and dispute the rest. Withholding everything risks default.

The association voted for expensive works I cannot afford

Decisions can be contested for procedure and for unreasonableness within the deadline; payment plans and hardship rules exist in most countries.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🏢 The service charges or owners' association bills seem wrong — who do I contact?