LON/00AW/LSC/2021/0014 — service charge decision
In LON/00AW/LSC/2021/0014, decided 4 October 2021, the First-tier Tribunal considered 10 disputed service charge items at Unit 6/C, 1 Palace Gate, London W8 5LS and found largely for the landlord: 1 item was reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: Unit 6/C, 1 Palace Gate, London W8 5LS
Decision date: 4 October 2021
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: Mr Michael Maunder Taylor.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repairs & maintenance (2020-21) | £5,000 | £5,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Lifts (2020-21) | £2,000 | £2,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Lifts (2020-21) | £6,800 | £6,800 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2020-21) | £9,456 | £9,456 | Allowed in full | — |
| Legal & professional costs (2020-21) | £25,000 | £25,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2020-21) | — | £500 | Reduced | Costs unreasonably incurred (s19(1)(a)) |
| Other charges (2020-21) | £1,500 | £1,500 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2020-21) | £22,876 | £22,876 | Allowed in full | — |
| Reserve fund contributions (2020-21) | £109,000 | £109,000 | Allowed in full | — |
| Administration charges (2020-21) | £1,700 | — | Allowed in full | — |
Section 20C order: refused.
Key passages (verbatim)
“The Tribunal is satisfied that the sum budgeted for repairs is reasonable and payable.”
“The Tribunal is satisfied that the cost of this report is reasonable and payable in accordance with the terms of the lease.”
“The Tribunal is also satisfied that the provision for ad hoc repairs is on the balance of probabilities reasonable and payable.”
“the Tribunal finds on a balance of probabilities that the sum of £9456.00 (inclusive of VAT), is payable in accordance with the terms of the order.”
“The Tribunal is satisfied that on the explanation put forward by the Respondent that the provision of service charges for legal and provisions fees within the budget is reasonable and payable.”
“The Tribunal finds that the cost of this item should not exceed £500.00”
“Further the Respondent appears to have misunderstood what was included under the hearing 'lift consultancy'.”
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.