Service Charge Consultancy

I'm able to provide advice on a wide range of service charge based issues which will ensure the management of your property complies with the terms of the leases and other contacts which are in place.  I can advise if it is being operated in accordance with current guidance, providing a level of service which meets customer expectations in a fair and reasonable manners.  ​

 

These services include: ​

 

Service Charge Verification ​

 

This can be considered for new and existing properties where the service charge provision, the layout of the property or development, hour of operations and intensity will all be considered in line with the occupational leases and other documents to advise on the recommended heads of expenditure and what is considered to be a fair and reasonable method of apportionment which is in accordance with the RICS Professional Statement for commercial properties, Code of Practice for residential together with current legislation and case law. ​

 

This will also take into consideration any restrictions on the recovery of service charge such as caps or exclusions and any steps or strategies which can be implemented to mitigate these in order to limit the liability for the Landlord. ​

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In addition I am able to give more specific advice with regard to a range of issues such as:

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• Repair versus renewal of structure and plant

• Strategies for financing long term repairs or replacements

• The financing of sustainability improvements

• Treatment of concessionary space or associated profit centres

• Calculation and recovery of additional services provided to tenants 

• The allocation and recovery of additional costs such as utilities and insurance 

• Advice regarding the implementation of marketing, promotion, communication and place-making costs 

• The approach to be adopted on phased developments or the alterations of existing schemes

• Permitted levels of reasonable management fees and associated administration charges

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Dispute Resolution ​

 

I'm able to provide an independent opinion with regard to any service charge related dispute and make recommendations with regard to possible outcomes and solutions. I can undertake discussions with parties to see if an acceptable solution can be met.  Failing this I can provide for the instructing party a submission for any third party determination or mediation setting out what is considered to be the recommended outcome.