What if I disagree with my charges?

We will always try to work out your charges properly and fairly, but if you think we have made a mistake or charged you for something you haven’t had please do the following.

First of all tell our Leasehold Services team straight away - they will look at your account again and make sure it is correct.

If you are still unhappy with what they tell you, write to Leasehold and Home Ownership Co-ordinator Gloucester City Homes, Railway House, Bruton Way, Gloucester, GL1 1DG.
(you need to be clear exactly what charges you don’t agree with and why).

If you still think you are being charged unfairly, you will be able to apply to the independent Leasehold Valuation Tribunal. Leasehold Valuation Tribunals have been set up under the Housing Act 1996.  

Either you or we (as landlord) can apply to the tribunal to settle a dispute over charges. The LVT will decide whether:  

• the cost of the services we are charging for is reasonable 
   
• the work being charged for is of a reasonable standard. 
   

You cannot appeal to a tribunal if:  

• a court or tribunal has already made a judgement about your charges 
   
• you have already agreed that the charges are correct.

The tribunal may decide that you must pay all of the charges, or they may decide that we must reduce our charges to you. Once the tribunal have made a decision we are both bound to accept it.

Currently, the tribunal can charge up to £500 to hear your case. They may or may not decide not to charge either side costs. They are more likely to charge you costs if they think your claim is unjustified.

If you want an LVT to consider your service charges, tell us - we will tell you how to go about it. You can also obtain advice from an organisation such as the Leasehold Advisory Service.

Remember, if you think your charges are wrong, tell us first - we will try to sort it out.