Awaab Ishak died in 2017 in a home infested with mould which had a catastrophic effect on his breathing. His parents complained to their housing association landlord, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), but the landlord repeatedly failed to address the causes. No-one in authority seemed able to force them to make the necessary fixes. Michael Gove… Continue reading Damp and Mould: Gove’s Double Standards
The report that Peabody didn’t want you to see graphically details how Peabody (deliberately or through negligence) consistently overcharges tenants and residents on services, and then makes it almost impossibly difficult for victims to recoup the overpayment. Our leak was subsequently reported in the Financial Times. Read their article 'Independent panel finds Peabody Trust overcharged… Continue reading The Report that Peabody Didn’t Want You to See
SHAC and partners are demanding that government holds social rents, shareholder rents, and service charges at current levels. Two protests were held outside the Department for Levelling up (14th September and 6th October) demanding a freeze on social rents and service charges, plus, a new eviction ban to stop those unable to pay from losing… Continue reading Freeze Rent & Service Charge Rises
By guest writer, Samuel Kitney* The dispute with Viridian Housing, my original landlord, started in 2015 when I noticed that the service charge statement included a charge for gas that we do not have. The only gas in the building is used in the plant room to run the communal heating system and the commercial… Continue reading Optivo on Trial Over Service Charges
The first thing you notice about Hyde's email is a smiling woman, calculator in one hand, letter in the other. But many how of those receiving the emailed smiled on finding their rents would rise 4.1% from April? And how deep is their dread as they wait to find out how much more they will… Continue reading Hyde Hikes Rents
The amount collected by housing associations as service charge income has increased by 2.3% (£33 million) in one year, according to the consolidated returns of housing associations made to the Regulator of Social Housing. It brings the total income generated through this income stream to £1.5 billion in the 2020 financial year. Upward Trend The… Continue reading Associations Enjoy £33 million Service Charge Income Bonanza
SHAC's meeting on Service Charges and How to Challenge Them heard from two excellent and informative speakers, with many attendees posting their thanks and appreciation for the contributions. Ed Spencer - SHAC Ed demonstrated a powerful piece of software that he has developed to help analyse service charge statements and receipts. Using the software, he… Continue reading Service Charges: An Informative and Energetic Discussion
By James Smith* Two years ago I realised that my landlord, a northern based housing association, was breaking the law by adding an additional charge to the amounts I was paying for gas, electricity and water bills. I challenged this, and although it took me two years and legal action, I was finally successful in… Continue reading Are You Being Overcharged for Utilities?
