What happens if I don't pay my service charges?

If you fall behind with your service charges or refuse to pay you can expect us to:

• take early action to help before your arrears get out of hand by advising you in writing if you fall behind with your repayments.

• visit you at home if we do not hear from you.

• ask you to clear your arrears straightaway or sign an agreement to make realistic and affordable payments to clear your arrears over a short period of time.

• offer you advice about claiming benefits and help with debt if you are having money problems. You can also ask us to refer you for independent help with your debts.

• end any store shed, garage, parking space licence and parking permit so that these charges do not add to your service charge arrears.

If you continue not to pay or repeatedly break agreements you can expect us to:

• warn you before taking further action
  
• contact your mortgage lender (if applicable) and ask them to pay your outstanding arrears
  
• commence proceedings in the court to recover your outstanding arrears.  At this point interest, court fees and solicitor’s fee will be added to your arrears.
  
• if your arrears are determined by the court or leasehold valuation tribunal and remain unpaid then ultimately we may seek to forfeit your lease.