Calculating your service and other charges
Charges for the services we provide, such as caretakers, concierges are included in your rent. We also collect some charges, such as water rates, for service providers and pay them on behalf of tenants.
Caretaker service charges
To calculate your charge for caretaker services, we take the total cost of the service for each area and divide it into estate or block costs, then divide that cost by the number of properties within that estate or block.
We also take into account the number of bedrooms within each property. Larger properties pay more.
Concierge service charges
To calculate your charge for concierge services, we take the total cost of concierge services for the whole borough and divide it by the number of properties receiving the service.
We also take into account the level of service you receive, such as part-time, full-time or a remote service, and the number of bedrooms in your property.
Horticulture and television aerial charges
If you live in a flat or maisonette, you will be charged for horticulture (maintenance of communal gardens and grass areas) and maintenance of your television aerial at a flat rate to cover the cost of providing the service.
Support charges
If you receive some care as part of your housing, such as a warden in a sheltered housing scheme or a community alarm, you will be charged for these as part of your rent. The charges are calculated to recover the cost of providing the care.
Heating and hot water charges
If you are charged for heating and hot water within your rent, the charge is based on the cost charged by the provider. These charges are not covered by Housing Benefit.
Water and sewerage charges
Most tenants pay water and sewerage rates as part of their rent. We collect the charge on behalf of Thames Water and pay the water rates on behalf of those tenants.
If your rent does not include a charge for water rates, you will need to let Thames Water know when you move in and make arrangements to pay the water rates directly to them.
Water and sewerage charges are not covered by housing benefit.
Insurance charges
You are charged the rate set by the insurance company.
Find out more about home contents insurance for council tenants.
