Payments and costs
If the actual cost for a year was less than estimated, this will result in a surplus on the account. What
happens with this surplus depends on the lease, but it can either be refunded back to individual
leaseholders?accounts or transferred to the buildings reserve fund.
If the actual cost for a year was more than was estimated, then there will be a shortfall in the accounts. If
this is the case, then each leaseholder will be billed separately for their share of the cost above the
estimate.
If the actual cost for a year was more than was estimated, then there will be a shortfall in the accounts. If
this is the case, then each leaseholder will be billed separately for their share of the cost above the
estimate.
If you've purchased your home as part of the Shared Ownership scheme, and do not own 100% of the
shares in your property, you' re still required to pay 100% of the service charge. This is because you will
still benefit from the same services you would receive if you owned 100% of your home.
Universal credit and housing benefit
Most charges for communal services are eligible for Housing Benefit/Universal Credit, but communally provided utilities delivered to individual residents, such has heating and hot water, and any personal services such as meals, laundry, personal care, personal alarm systems, are not eligible for Housing Benefit/Universal Credit.