When to pay
Under the terms of your Lease you are required to pay your service charge account within 21 days of receipt. If you fail to pay within this time the lease allows the Council to charge interest at the rate of 3% above that of the Council’s Bankers’ current base rate.
How can I pay my service charges or invoices?
There are a number of ways you can pay your service charges. These can be found on the back of each invoice you receive.
If you have a bank account:
By Direct Debit
Direct debit is a cost-effective and trouble free way of paying your service charge from your bank account. If you choose to pay by direct debit you can pay your accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis on the 1st day of each month or quarter. For more details or to ask for a direct debit mandate form contact the Leasehold Section on 0113 2476401.
By Standing order
You can also arrange for a standing order to be paid from your bank or building society. You must have the money in your account, otherwise the order will not be paid. You can get forms from the leasehold section of the council or your bank or building society. You must sign a new form every year.
By Telephone banking or BACS
Make your payment to NatWest, Head Office Collection Account No. 00000000, Sort Code 57-12-72. Please make sure you give your 10 digit invoice reference number. You must send a separate remittance advice when you make a BACS payment quoting the amount(s) and invoice reference number(s) so that your payments can be correctly allocated.
Debit card over the telephone
This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, automated system. You can also ring the Department of Finance between 8.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday or the Leasehold Section between 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Telephone No 0113 3957100
On the internet
Visit the council website at www.leeds.gov.uk, and click on ‘on-line payments’ then click on ‘other invoices’ and follow the instructions.
By giro transfer
(Girobank and Alliance & Leicester customers) You need to give our Giro account number 6574262 and your 10 digit invoice reference number.
In person:
Post Office or outlet
Make sure you have not torn or written over the bar code on the front of your invoice and then take the invoice with you when you go to pay. At Post Office outlets you can pay by cash or cheque (made payable to Post Office Ltd.).
At a bank
Banks will only accept your payment if you use the bank giro credit on the front of your invoice. You can pay by cash or cheque. Please make your cheque payable to Leeds City Council and write your invoice reference on the back of your cheque. Some banks charge a fee for this service.
If you wish to pay by post:
Write your 10 digit invoice reference number on the back of a cheque, made payable to Leeds City Council, and send it to: Leeds City Council, PO Box 60, and Leeds. LS2 8JR. Post dated cheques cannot be accepted. Please do not send cash through the post.
If you have a question about my service charges or invoice please telephone the Leasehold Section on 0113 2476401
What if I cannot afford to pay my service charge
If you are having difficulties paying your service charge, you should first contact the Leasehold Section of the Council’s Neighbourhoods and Housing Department on Telephone No 0113 2476401. They will be able to offer advice and help.
Claiming Benefit
If you are receiving income support you may be able to get help with the cost of your service charge. You should contact the Benefits Agency on 0845 127 0113 or 0113 247 7427 who will advise you on how to claim.
What will happen if you fail to pay your service charges
You must pay your share of the costs of managing and maintaining your block. This is a legal duty set out in your lease. If you do not pay your share, you are breaking the terms of your lease and the Council will pursue legal action through the Courts for a judgement which will incur additional costs. Ultimately, the Council could seek forfeiture of your lease and to take possession of your home.
If you ever find yourself in the position where the Council is considering taking any such legal action against you, you should seek independent legal advice.