My landlord's agent wants to increase the service charge on my business property by 300%. What can I do?

The agent is new because the landlord is new and has just bought the property. My lease does not stipulate a figure but just says a 'fair proportion of the costs of maintenance to the landlord.' The agent is acting for the landlord and has included all his costs and a fee in his estimated expenditure for the year as well as provision for a 'sink' fund in case of future costs. My service charge is quarterly and will go up from 拢400 to 拢1400, around 拢5 a square foot on about 1050 square feet.|||Ask for an estimated service charge with a breakdown. Do you pay on actual cost or an estimate with a balancing charge or refund at the year end? I would suggest you ask them to quantify exactly what is their expected expenditure. Does the agent's managing fee have a specific price or is it 15% of any repairs? If you consider the costs too much after that, take it the your local Citizens advice bureau and ask them to point you in the direction of the fair rents commission|||Give your notice and move to new location.|||I believe that when the terms change you are able to opt out of the lease legally. If not a choice you prefer than just ask around and see what other people are being charged and decide what is fair for both parties.|||Don't employ a surveyor to act on your behalf.


Ask for an interview and plead your case and you will get a reduction.


Don't attempt to sell your lease unless it is to a multiple that has a future.


You will be held accountable if the new leaseholder fails and then the lease will become yours again until the end of the lease.


Believe me it is true.


It will go up each three years normally.


The title 'Landlord' really does mean they have the power.





You are in the hands of the High Street Mafia now.


Get out when you can and buy.|||and who cares