Service charges

Understand service charges, what they cover and why costs change.

What is a service charge?

Service charges pay for services we provide in communal areas. Not everyone pays a service charge—if you do, we’ll make this clear at the start of your tenancy. Charges are covered by the terms of your agreement and are shared among everyone who receives the services. Costs vary depending on the services you receive.

Quick facts:

  • Included under your tenancy agreement
  • Shared across homes that receive the service
  • Varies by the services in your block or area

Check if you have a service charge

Why do my charges increase if services don’t change?

We follow strict legislation on recoverable costs and keep increases to a minimum. Costs can still change due to:

  • New supplier contracts
  • New legal health and safety obligations
  • Inflation

Service descriptions – what you may be charged for

Below are service types that may be charged to Riverside customers. Services vary by area and home type.

  • Maintenance of grounds around communal areas
  • Regular management of trees around communal areas
  • Management and prevention of pests in communal areas
  • Bin hire and professional removal of fly tipping
  • Cleaning internal communal areas (e.g., block of flats)
  • Cleaning communal external windows (e.g., block of flats)
Communal area charges
  • Maintenance of grounds around communal areas
  • Regular management of trees around communal areas
  • Management and prevention of pests in communal areas
  • Bin hire and professional removal of fly tipping
  • Cleaning internal communal areas (e.g., block of flats)
  • Cleaning communal external windows (e.g., block of flats)
Safety checks
  • Risk assessments and maintenance for compliance (e.g., legionella testing)
  • Fire equipment maintenance and assessments (e.g., fire doors)
  • Testing of electrical items to ensure safety
Utilities (communal)

Gas, electricity and water in communal areas (e.g., corridor lighting)

Private utilities (individual homes)

Gas, electricity and water where supplied to individual homes (e.g., heating and hot water systems) 

Service and maintenance
  • Door entry systems
  • Communal lifts
  • TV aerials
  • Barrier entry systems to car parks
  • Air conditioning in communal areas
  • CCTV cameras and equipment
  • Lightning protection on building roofs
  • Call response systems (“warden call”)
  • Communal laundry equipment
Other charges
  • Estate management by an external company
  • TV licence fee for communal televisions
  • Building insurance (contents insurance is your responsibility)
  • Management and supervision of services at each scheme
  • Under or over collection from the previous financial year
  • Personal services to customers (not covered by housing benefit or universal credit)
Usage charges

Cost of communal items (e.g., furniture) spread over their expected lifecycle. Calculated using lifecycle and an agreed inflation index. Items are only replaced when required. 

Opting out, concerns and complaints

Can I opt out of services?

No. Services are a condition of your agreement and cannot be opted out of.

What if I believe the charges are unreasonable?

Email info@riversidescotland.org.uk with your concerns about the proposed service charge. We’ll review your feedback and respond.

You can also write to us at: 
The Riverside Group Limited, 2 Estuary Boulevard, Estuary Commerce Park, Liverpool L24 8RF 

I’m not satisfied with the service provided by the contractor – what should I do?

Raise a concern via our customer service centre. If you feel we haven’t adequately responded, you can make a formal complaint.

Help and support

You may be able to claim for services listed as eligible for housing benefit or universal credit. Please contact your local authority for more information.

If you’re facing challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, help is at hand.

Find out more