Support for Tenants

Glossary

Service charge

Plain-English definition

Charges a leaseholder pays to the freeholder for shared services and maintenance. Disputes about service charges are separate from disrepair claims, but often arise alongside them.

Related terms

Need help with a real housing problem?

Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.

By: Support for Tenants editorial team

Last updated:

Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.

Was this helpful?