Service Charges
Calculating your service charge
You will be charged for the works, utilities and services we provide to your block and/or estate.
Service charges are calculated from 1 April to 31 March each year and are broken down into a number of categories:
- Buildings insurance (leaseholders only)
- Cleaning and grounds maintenance
- Concierge (where applicable)
- Heating standing charge
- Lighting, electricity and heating fuel (where applicable)
- Management fees
- Repairs and maintenance
See how your service charges are calculated.
Service charges are divided fairly between all flats in a block. Hackney Council will pay the proportion relating to the rent paying tenants which is then recharged to tenants through the rent and service charge they pay. Hackney Council will also send you bills about your service charges twice a year, which will be:
- Estimated bills (issued before April each year), based on the estimated costs of providing the service for that financial year – our service charge estimate 2019-20 booklet provides information about your estimated service charge costs for 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020
- Actual bills (issued by the end of September each year), based on the actual costs of providing the service for the previous financial year
If you have a query about your bill, (for example, you think it has been miscalculated or you have been charged for a service you have not received) contact our Service Charge Accounts Team. We will look at your account and if we can see that you have been charged incorrectly we will make arrangements for any necessary adjustments. If you are not happy with the outcome of our investigation, you can make a formal complaint. If you have any queries contact service.charges@hackney.gov.uk.
Homeownership services guide
Paying your charge
Clapton Park Management Organisation manage the properties on behalf of Hackney Council. However leaseholders still pay service charges directly to the Council. See Pay your service charge . There are several ways to pay your service charge:
- Online – make secure, online payments.
- Set up an automated payment – set up a Direct Debit or standing order with your bank or building society and never worry about missing a payment
- By phone – call Hackney Council’s 24 hour payment line on 020 8356 5050
- At your bank – use your instalments slips (note your bank may charge you for this service)
- By post – send your postal order or cheque (made payable to ‘London Borough of Hackney‘) to the Hackney self-service centre, 2 Hillman Street, Hackney, London, E8 1FB. Please write your account number, full name and address on the back of your postal order or cheque. Do not send cash in the post.
- In person – pay by cash, debit or credit card at Hackney self-service payment centre – 2 Hillman Street, Hackney, London, E8 1FB Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Remember you will need your service charge account number for reference when making a payment.
Check your balance by phone
You can check your balance and most recent transactions, by calling 020 8356 2299 (9am-5pm). You’ll need to have your payment reference to hand. Payment references are 10 digits and can be found on letters you will have received from us.
