The service-charge section causes more hesitation than any other, mostly because of vocabulary. The questions reduce to a handful of plain ideas. What does the building cost to run each year? That is the budget. How is that cost divided between the flats? That is apportionment — usually set by the lease as equal shares or percentages. Is the flat being sold up to date with its payments? That is arrears. And is money being set aside for future large works? That is the reserve (or sinking) fund.
Conveyancers also ask about anticipated increases and one-off demands, because a buyer needs to know whether a large bill is coming. If external decorations are planned for next spring, say so, with the estimate if one exists — and if costs are not yet known, a clear statement to that effect is far better than silence.
Answer from documents rather than memory wherever possible: the accounts, the budget and the reserve fund statement carry the figures, and attaching them alongside the answers prevents a round of follow-up enquiries.
Peppercorn One provides administrative tools and guidance to assist with the preparation of management information. It does not provide legal advice. Users remain responsible for reviewing and approving all information before it is issued.