Residents of One Housing Group from different but comparable blocks on the same estate (One Stratford) have pooled information about their service charges and found a level of randomness that defies explanation. It highlights what happens when landlords are allowed to impose charges without any external oversight or regulation. A survey across flats in George… Continue reading Residents Expose One Housing Group’s Service Charge Abuse
The Office for National Statistics recently published inflation figures for September 2023. Tenants and residents living in housing association and council homes across the country will pay careful attention to this announcement. It is likely to be used as a basis for their April 2024 rent levels - and it is high. With inflation stubbornly… Continue reading Inflation Announcement Risks Social Rent Rises Almost 8%
By Yasmin Barnes*, a Northcourt resident This article was for SHAC was promised in July, not long after a meeting between our MP and the chief executive of our landlord, MTVH, over incorrect service charges; a complaint that had already dragged on for ten months. We delayed sending it because we thought it might be… Continue reading North Court Residents Challenge MTVH’s £14k Attempted Overcharge
One Housing Group (OHG) keyworkers are being told to absorb a shocking 11.1% rent increase this month, according to letters that have been passed to SHAC. Selma*, a teacher on a keyworker tenancy with OHG in London, received one such letter out of the blue in September. Selma questioned the increase as housing association rent… Continue reading One Housing Group Keyworkers Get 11% Rent Rises
The strikes previously reported in Southall by tenants and residents of one Clarion estate (Over 70 Southall Residents Start Service Charge Strike) have spread to a second estate nearby. Tenants and residents of at least 24 households in Doniford House are withholding payment from their landlord, Clarion, and their managing agent, First Port. Not Safe… Continue reading Second Southall Estate Joins Clarion Service Charge Strike
Unfair rent rises and uncapped service charges are causing financial distress for housing association tenants and residents up and down the country. We're making a stand. The Unfair and Uncapped campaign has launched to amplify the voices of those already struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. We believe that government should freeze housing association rents and… Continue reading Five Reasons to Freeze Rents, Cap Service Charges
Peter is celebrating his vindication by the Ombudsman, which has upheld his complaint of mistreatment by Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA). The case however highlights weaknesses in this part of the justice system for tenants and residents, and the need for more powerful enforcement when landlords fail. The complaint concerned service charges, diminished services as… Continue reading Lessons from the Housing Ombudsman’s Findings at LJHA
Around 70 residents have notified their landlord, Clarion, that they will be partially withholding payments in a dispute over rent and service charge levels, plus contested service charge items. The residents have formed a collective of some 60-strong households covering their estate in Southall, West London. Shana, a striking resident has explained that the group… Continue reading Clarion: Over 70 Southall Residents Start Service Charge Strike
Rent and service charge strikes are growing across England according to a new report published by SHAC. The snapshot report was published following a survey of members, and sought to identify growth and trends. I am withholding payment because Clarion raised the service charge 20% without informing me any details or reasons beforehand. Nina, Clarion… Continue reading SHAC Rent and Service Charge Strikes Grow and Collectivise
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 says that service charges must be reasonably incurred, and incurred on services or works completed to a reasonable standard. Apart from the fact that certain parts of the legislation apply only to leaseholders but not full renters, and that there is also differentiation in the protections that apply depending… Continue reading Service Charges: Unreasonable Laws
