Radcliffe Flat Owners Angered By £8800 Yearly Service Charge Shock

Apartment owners in Radcliffe face a big fee increase. Canalside residents received notice of higher service charges. These charges help manage their properties. Some owners must now pay £8,800 each year. About 60 Canalside leaseholders are impacted.

Their monthly fees will triple from April. They will pay £733, up from about £210. Owners find this increase exorbitant and unpayable. The service charge might exceed their monthly rent.

Onward Homes manages the Canalside properties. They stated the rises are significant. These costs are needed for balcony safety work. Onward Homes will consult with owners and tenants. They offer help to anyone worried.

Sheila Brown owns two flats there. She was distressed by the large increase. She said she felt like she was in a nightmare. She cannot afford to pay the bill. It totals nearly £18,000 each year for both apartments.

Jessica has owned a flat since 2007. She thought the £8,793 amount unbelievable. She says it’s outrageous and impossible to pay. She noted past increases in the management fee. Residents worry about current service levels.

Many Canalside leaseholders consider self-management. Some will pay the old rate, not the new one. Onward Homes said leaseholders pay for building services. The costs cover maintenance and improvements. Essential balcony work caused the increase.

Onward Homes plans a thorough bidding process. This will secure the best value. They promise full consultation before work starts. Their team will discuss changes with leaseholders. They will support anyone who has concerns.