Service charges are payments made by you, the leaseholder, to Trident for the services that are provided. The service charge covers the leaseholder’s share of managing and maintaining your scheme and, if you live in a flat, buildings insurance.
Service charges can vary from year-to-year and may go up or down. However, Trident can only recover costs from you that are reasonable. You will receive a breakdown of the new service charges for each new financial year in March or April and a quarterly statement showing your current account and the addition of the quarterly charge.
The services you receive will vary according to where you live, the type of property you live in and the details of your lease.
However, if you think we have made a mistake or charged you for something you have not had please contact us on 0121 633 4633.
Communal Facilities
Depending on the building, service charges may include payment for the following items:
- Ground maintenance
- Lighting and heating of communal areas
- Repairs of communal areas
- Lift maintenance
- Management fees
- Security
- Communal TV Aerials
How we calculate your service charge
Service charges are calculated ensuring that every leaseholder is responsible for a fair share of the costs of providing communal services to their home. At the start of the financial year, in April, we estimate what we think your annual service charge will be. We will send you a breakdown of these charges at the beginning of the new financial year. We will send out quarterly reminders, based on these charges.
We will send you audited accounts each October of the actual cost for the previous financial year. Any refund or extra charges will be calculated at this time and your quarterly invoice in October will be adjusted accordingly and will show your annual adjustment.
We will always aim to ensure that your charges are worked out correctly.
How we calculate your service charge
Service charges are calculated ensuring that every leaseholder is responsible for a fair share of the costs of providing communal services to their home. At the start of the financial year, in April, we estimate what we think your annual service charge will be. We will send you a breakdown of these charges at the beginning of the new financial year. We will send out quarterly reminders, based on these charges.
We will send you audited accounts each October of the actual cost for the previous financial year. Any refund or extra charges will be calculated at this time and your quarterly invoice in October will be adjusted accordingly and will show your annual adjustment. We will always aim to ensure that your charges are worked out correctly.
However, if you think we have made a mistake or charged you for something you have not had please contact us on 0121 633 4633.
Service charges
There are various payment options available to leaseholders, including:
- At our Head Office by cash, cheque, debit or credit card.
- By post – cheques should be crossed and made payable to “Trident Housing Association”.
- By telephone using a debit or credit card.
- By Direct Debit or Standing Order.
- At various retail outlets displaying the Pay Point logo with your All Pay card.
- Trident’s website via a secure log in area and using your All Pay card.
Non-payment of Service Charge
As a leaseholder, you have accepted the terms and obligations placed upon you by the lease and this includes your payment of the service charges.
If you are experiencing difficulties in paying these charges, please contact us immediately. The sooner we know of any problems you are experiencing in paying your service charge, the easier it will be for us to assist you with your difficulties. We have Money Advice specialists who are able to offer advice with regard to Benefit Claims and debt advice, we can also signpost you to other specialist agencies. By telephone
If you fail to make, or keep to, an arrangement in place to clear your arrears, an application may be made to the County Court for an order against you.
Your mortgage lender will also be informed and you could risk losing your home. Early contact will avoid arrears occurring.
We are here to help you.
