Service charge: what you need to know
Service charges are charges for services you receive to the communal areas of your building or estate. All residents contribute to the cost of maintaining these spaces.
2026–27 service charge rationale guide
For a list of every service we charge for, and the approach we’ve taken to setting service charge estimates for 2026-27, please see our budget rationale guide.
Service charge calendar
Most of the properties managed by Notting Hill Genesis follow the dates below. Your lease or tenancy agreement might mean the months are different so check your agreement so you know what to expect and when.
Service charge final accounts
If you pay variable service charges, we will send you a statement showing what we actually spent during the year. If the accounts are finished, this will include a request for extra payment if there is a deficit (we spent more than estimated), or details about money we owe you if there is a surplus (we spent less than estimated). If the accounts are not ready, we will complete them as soon as possible and send the final statement.
If you own your home through a lease or the freehold, the total surplus or deficit (refund or additional charge) will be added to your rent account.
If you rent your home from us, we will add this through a "prior year balance" charge or "PYB" (any refund or additional charge spread over the following year) to your regular rent payments.
Deciding and sharing service charge estimates
NHG sets a budget for your scheme or building based on the above rationale. This takes into account the services that are provided to you within your service charge.
Budget is reviewed to ensure it is fair and accurate. New charges for 2026/27 are calculated based on Lease or Tenancy Agreement provisions.
2026/27 service charge estimates sent to our residents including breakdown of what services have been budgeted for and charge for the new financial year.
Your new service charge based on the final estimate starts.
News and updates
Read our latest news and updates on service charges to help provide you with further support and guidance.
Service charge Index and Report 2024
The TPI report provides averaged data on service charge expenditure across the estates different Housing associations in the UK manage, as well as a detailed analysis into the trends, and the factors causing rising bills.
Legal and regulatory
There are laws in place that protect you as a leaseholder and give you certain rights about your service charge.
Payment and Direct Debit
The easiest way for you to pay your rent and service charge is by Direct Debit. It might also be a condition of your lease to pay by Direct Debit.
Cost of living support
We appreciate that any rise is unwelcome, especially given ongoing cost-of-living pressures. To help you, we have a wide range of resources. You can find those on the cost-of-living support page.
