Your service charge will increase from 1 April 2025. We will send you a letter in March telling you exactly how much it will increase by.
The amount is an estimate. It’s based on the estimated costs of delivering the services you will need for the upcoming financial year (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026).
If you’re a homeowner or shared owner
We will write to you again to let you know the actual annual cost of your service charge in autumn 2025 for the previous financial year (April 2024 to March 2025).
If our estimate is too low, we’ll charge you any additional money you owe us. You can get a refund if our estimate is too high.
If you’re a shared owner, your rent will also increase. The letter will explain what you have to pay from 1 April 2025.
If you’re a tenant
The letter we sent you will tell you exactly how much you need to pay from 1 April.
The amount you need to pay is fixed. This means the amount you pay for the year won’t change after you have received your rent and service charge increase in April, regardless of whether the actual costs are higher.
Your rent will also increase from 1 April. Read more about rent increases.
Why your service charge has increased
Your service charge covers the cost of services, maintenance and repairs to shared parts of your building.
Unfortunately, many of our estimated charges have been impacted by rising inflation, which has increased the cost of services and materials along with things like increases in the cost of energy and building insurance.
How your money is invested
MTVH is a not-for-profit organisation. This means that all income we receive is re-invested to run services and to build and maintain homes. The main ways your money is spent include:
- Repairs and safety works.
- Improvements to homes.
- Building and fire safety works.
- Funding to address damp and mould.
- Management of homes and communal areas.
How to pay your service charge
If you pay by Direct Debit
We will automatically update your Direct Debit from 1 April 2025 so you’re paying the correct amount.
You will receive a letter from Allpay confirming the new amount you’re paying – please check this against your new charges letter to ensure you’re paying the correct amount from 1 April.
If you get Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
You must tell the people who manage your benefits that your monthly costs will increase from 1 Apil 2025.
- Universal Credit: contact your work coach via the journal on your Universal Credit account
- Housing Benefit: contact your local council’s Housing Benefit team
Help understanding your service charge statement
We try to explain your service charge as clearly as possible, but we know there are some phrases and terms that can be confusing.
Read our service charge glossary for definitions of words used on your service charge statement.
Get more support
Contact us if you have questions
We can help with things like:
- previous service charge statements
- explaining why your service charge has increased
- issues with the service you receive
Help with money and bills
If you’re finding things difficult, we can help with:
- finding support in your local community
- getting grants from us and other organisations
- reducing your expenses
Request information in another format
If you need any service charge information in another format, we can provide:
- Language translations
- Braille and large print
- Interpretation, including British Sign Language