Service charge code could be revised to help housing association tenants

Housing association tenants of long leasehold flats in England are to be brought into a revised service charge management code, under proposals being consulted on by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). The code sets out best practice for the management of leasehold residential blocks and estates and is used by the courts to settle disputes about service charges. In the past it has only applied to leaseholders within privately-owned developments. The proposals would not stop landlords from potentially increasing charges, but they would require them to set out the rationale behind setting service charges, Rics added. “Proposed enhancements to the code will improve consistency within the industry and transparency for leaseholders in relation to service charges, agents fees, long term planned preventative maintenance plans and reserve funds," Rics said. 

The Independent (09/04/2022)