Service charge managementService charges, clearly managed
The service charge pays for everything a building needs. We prepare budgets, collect payments, manage arrears and coordinate the year-end accounts, and directors can see the balances in the portal at any time.
- Budgets prepared with the directors
- Collection and arrears handled
- Client money in a separate account
- Balances visible in the portal
What we take care of
- Annual budget preparation
- Service charge demands
- Payment collection and arrears
- Reserve fund planning
- Year-end accounts coordination
- Client money accounts
Why service charges cause problems
Most disputes in residential buildings come back to money: leaseholders who don't understand what they're paying for, budgets that don't reflect what the building needs, or surprise bills for major works because there was no reserve fund.
Good service charge management is mostly about planning and openness. Set a realistic budget, collect it, spend it properly and show people where it went.
What we do
- Budgets. We prepare the annual budget with the directors or freeholder, based on the building's contracts, condition and planned works.
- Demands. We issue service charge demands with the information leaseholders are entitled to, including the summary of their rights and obligations.
- Collection and arrears. We collect payments, send reminders and follow up on arrears.
- Reserve fund. We help plan contributions to a reserve fund, so major works don't arrive as a shock.
- Year-end accounts. We coordinate the year-end service charge accounts.
- Client money. Service charge funds are held on trust in a separate client account.
The rules leaseholders are protected by
Service charges in England are governed mainly by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Among other things, costs must be reasonably incurred, demands must be accompanied by a summary of tenants' rights and obligations, and there are time limits on demanding costs. Leaseholders must be consulted under Section 20 before qualifying works or long-term agreements over set thresholds.
We build those requirements into how we work, and keep a record of each step.
Finances visible at any time
In the Harrison Services Portal, directors can see the client account, the reserve fund, collection and arrears whenever they want, not just at year end. Residents can make payments and see what's coming up.
See how the portal works, or read how much block management costs.
Harrison Services Portal
Every building we manage has its own portal
Directors get oversight of finances, compliance and approvals. Residents can report repairs, pay service charges and keep up with building news.
- ✓Site inspection completed2 days ago
- ✓Decoration quote received, Redwood Decorators5 days ago
Contractor quotations awaiting your decision.
Communal, main entrance · Reeve & Sons · £95.00
Section 20 consultation complete · Redwood Decorators · £42,000.00
External decoration
Provisionally Sept 2026 · Estimated £42,000.00
- ✓James Walker approved entrance door lock repair, £95.0030 July
- ✓Fire alarm serviced30 July
- ✓Sarah Johnson reported a repair: dripping tap28 July
Based on the live demo · sample data
Flat 6 · Reported by Sarah Johnson, 4 days ago
Contractor: Bright Plumbing
- ✓Reported by Sarah Johnson4 days ago
- ✓Quotation received, Bright Plumbing, £180.003 days ago
- ✓Quotation approved by James Walker3 days ago
- ✓Contractor visit scheduledThu 9–11am
Next payment due 14 Aug 2026
Bin store relocation
3 days ago
Based on the live demo · sample data
What does the service charge cover?
Whatever the leases say it covers. Typically that includes buildings insurance, cleaning, repairs and maintenance, communal utilities, fire safety, the management fee and contributions to a reserve fund.
Where is the money held?
Service charge money is held on trust for the leaseholders. We keep it in a separate client account, away from our own money.
Can leaseholders pay online?
Residents can make payments through the Harrison Services Portal.
How are arrears handled?
We send reminders and follow up, and agree an approach with the directors or freeholder for persistent arrears. Directors can see arrears in the portal.
Related services
Block Management London
Day-to-day management of residential blocks across London, from service charges to fire safety.
Learn moreRMC Management
Management for residents' management companies, with oversight for directors in the portal.
Learn moreFreeholder Management
Day-to-day management for freeholders and landlords of residential blocks.
Learn moreTell us about your building
We'll arrange a call, then send a written proposal with a clear annual fee.