Service Charges & Money
Budgets, demands, reserve funds, Section 20 and client-money rules, explained.
Service charge arrears: a fair, lawful way to handle late payers
Unpaid service charges threaten a block's ability to pay its bills. Here is a calm, step-by-step approach to chasing arrears fairly, lawfully, and without destroying neighbourly relations.
Building your first service charge budget: a director's walkthrough
A practical, step-by-step guide for new RTM and RMC directors setting their first annual service charge budget — from listing cost lines to issuing compliant demands.
Reserve funds and sinking funds: planning for the bill you can't yet see
A well-managed reserve fund means leaseholders never face a sudden, eye-watering demand. Here is how to think about building and maintaining one.
Where does the money live? Service charge trust accounts and your legal duties
Service charge money isn't the manager's — it's held on statutory trust for leaseholders. Here's what that means legally and what it requires of RTM company directors.
Section 20 explained: the major-works consultation every director must get right
Get the Section 20 consultation wrong and your recovery is capped at £250 per leaseholder, regardless of the actual cost. Here's the complete three-stage process and what directors need to watch out for.
Thinking about taking over your block?
Check if you qualify for Right to Manage — it's free, and takes a few minutes.