Understanding your leaseholder statement

This shows what we estimate the costs of things like repairs and maintenance, lighting and cleaning in communal areas, concierge and door-entry systems, grounds maintenance and buildings insurance, will be for the next 12 months.

Since these statements were posted out in the Spring, our Leasehold Services team have been busy calculating the exact costs that were incurred for each property, block of flats or estate over the past year. We check all the figures until we are sure we can accurately calculate the correct service charge amount for each leaseholder and then we will send you a final statement in September. Your account will be credited or debited accordingly if your charges were over or underestimated the previous year.

We hold regular online information sessions for leaseholders and the next one will cover service charges and will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 3 August 2022. To join in this session, simply get in touch with the Tenant Engagement team to receive instructions on how to participate. We welcome suggestions for a future topic for an online information session, so please contact the Tenant Engagement team with your thoughts.

Heating charges

The statements we sent out this March also included important information on rising utility bills. Increasing energy costs mean that everyone is seeing increased heating bills, and the Landlord Controlled Heating Service is no different. The cost of this service had to increase by 16% from 1 April 2022.

We know many people are struggling financially because of the rising cost of living. If you’re worried about heating costs and you live in a leasehold property, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance. Even if you’re on the Landlord Controlled Heating Service you can still apply for the Warm Homes Discount worth £140 a year. For help with making an application and to find out about other grants, please contact Southampton Environment Centre

At a time when every penny counts, it’s essential to make sure you’re claiming your full benefit entitlement. Use the government online benefit checker or contact our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team for friendly and non-judgmental advice and support on managing your money, getting out of debt and claiming benefits.

As a leaseholder, you can request your property be disconnected from the Landlord Controlled Heating Service (but you will have to pay a charge to be disconnected). To find out more about disconnecting or to ask a question about the heating service, please email Leasehold Services or telephone 023 8083 2337 (phone line is open 9am to 12noon every Tuesday and Thursday). Remember, if you do disconnect from the Landlord Controlled Heating Service and organize your own energy supplier, first check the prices so you know what your future bills will be.

Please note, if your property is connected to the Geothermal Heating and Hot Water System, this service has not been subjected to the 16% increase. Your bill is calculated on the actual cost for 2020-2021 plus an increase based on the Consumer Price Index as it has been in previous years.

Tell us what you think!

Please get in touch if you have any suggestions for future articles that you would like to read in Tenants’ Link on subjects related to owning or buying leasehold properties. And don’t forget you can contact Leasehold Services with any queries, and to provide us with your feedback about the service.