CHI/29UH/LSC/2023/0091 — service charge decision
In CHI/29UH/LSC/2023/0091, decided 23 May 2024, the First-tier Tribunal considered 30 disputed service charge items at 16C London Road, Maidstone, Kent and found largely for the landlord: 0 items were reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: 16C London Road, Maidstone, Kent
Decision date: 23 May 2024
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: HML Group.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repairs & maintenance (2021-2022) | £1,000 | £1,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Gardening & grounds (2021-2022) | £150 | £150 | Allowed in full | — |
| Cleaning (2021-2022) | £150 | £150 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2021-2022) | £455 | £455 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2021-2022) | £360 | £360 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2021-2022) | £1,000 | £1,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2021-2022) | £48 | £48 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2021-2022) | £888 | £888 | Allowed in full | — |
| Administration charges (2021-2022) | £150 | £150 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2021-2022) | £240 | £240 | Allowed in full | — |
| Repairs & maintenance (2022-2023) | £10,000 | £10,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022-2023) | £300 | £300 | Allowed in full | — |
| Gardening & grounds (2022-2023) | £100 | £100 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2022-2023) | £1,000 | £1,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022-2023) | £48 | £48 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2022-2023) | £1,250 | £1,250 | Allowed in full | — |
| Administration charges (2022-2023) | £140 | £140 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022-2023) | £240 | £240 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022-2023) | £360 | £360 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2023-2024) | £1,200 | £1,200 | Allowed in full | — |
| Gardening & grounds (2023-2024) | £100 | £100 | Allowed in full | — |
| Repairs & maintenance (2023-2024) | £10,000 | £10,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2023-2024) | £300 | £300 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2023-2024) | £240 | £240 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2023-2024) | £455 | £455 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2023-2024) | £360 | £360 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2023-2024) | £48 | £48 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2023-2024) | £1,250 | £1,250 | Allowed in full | — |
| Administration charges (2023-2024) | £150 | £150 | Allowed in full | — |
| Reserve fund contributions (2023-2024) | £800 | £800 | Allowed in full | — |
Section 20C order: granted.
Key passages (verbatim)
“The Tribunal having heard from the Respondent and the Applicant in respect of each item determine that each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“each item in the 2022 Budget service charge is properly an item the Freeholder has responsibility for, and the budget sums are reasonable.”
“The Tribunal notes that service charge accounts, both budget and actual can be difficult to interpret, and a perceived lack of transparency and collaboration on behalf of the managing agent.”
“a lack of meaningful communication has contributed to the need for this hearing.”
“particularly with the perceived lack of explanation or transparency, for an Order to be made under section 20C of the 1985 Act”
This summary is assembled from the structured record of the published decision; amounts appear only where the tribunal stated them. Always rely on the full decision itself.