# SERVICE CHARGE CHALLENGE LETTER
Date: 22 March 2032
Parties: Sofia Bennett, Elm Court Freeholds Limited and Northgate Block Management Limited
## 1. Purpose and parties
Sofia Bennett, leaseholder of Flat 6, Elm Court, 8 Station View, Cardiff CF11 7RL, challenges the service-charge demand dated 1 March 2032 for the accounting year ending 31 December 2031. Elm Court Freeholds Limited is the landlord and Northgate Block Management Limited is its managing agent. The demand seeks £9,864.50, payable by 31 March 2032.
## 2. Facts, scope and terms
Sofia disputes £5,760 for roof replacement because no Section 20 notice, estimates or opportunity to make observations were served before the contractor was appointed. The leaseholder understands that the statutory consultation limit may restrict recovery to £250 for her flat unless dispensation or another lawful basis is established. She asks for the contract, invoices, completion certificate and any dispensation order.
## 3. Process and responsibilities
She also disputes £1,440 of management fees. The 2031 budget allowed £960, but the demand applies a new rate without a lease variation or prior explanation. A further £384 for window cleaning appears twice, once in the quarter-two statement and again in the year-end schedule for the same 18 October 2031 visit. The total disputed amount is therefore £7,584.
## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards
Sofia requests under Section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 an itemised summary of relevant costs. After receiving that summary, she will exercise the inspection right under Section 22 to inspect invoices, bank entries, tender documents, the Section 20 file and the cleaning contractor's attendance sheet. Please provide the summary within 21 days, identify the person who approved each charge, and explain why the costs are reasonably incurred and of a reasonable standard.
## 5. Review, escalation and outcome
She will pay the undisputed £2,280.50 by 31 March 2032, marked as payment on account and without admission of the disputed items. Sofia asks Northgate voluntarily to suspend recovery, late fees and adverse credit reporting for £7,584 while the challenge is investigated. Sofia will allow reasonable inspection of the flat for genuine roof-related evidence and will retain the demand, lease, photographs, bank receipt and all correspondence.
## 6. Reservations and practical protections
If the documents do not resolve the matter within 28 days, Sofia requests a meeting with the landlord, agent and two leaseholders. She reserves an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under Section 27A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for a determination of liability and reasonableness, and does not accept that an arbitration clause removes that statutory route.
## 7. England and Wales law and completion
This completed fictional letter is dated 22 March 2032 and is governed by the law of England and Wales. It is sent by recorded post and email to preserve evidence of delivery. Sofia reserves all rights concerning limitation, consultation, repair obligations, interest, costs and any future demand, while making clear that this challenge is not a refusal to pay sums properly due.