Service charges are not just a line item. They are a trust relationship. When residents do not understand the cost or the value, they assume the worst. The fix is not more numbers, it is clearer narrative.
Make the story as visible as the total
A simple narrative beats a long spreadsheet. The core questions to answer are:
- What changed since last year and why.
- Which costs are fixed vs discretionary.
- What trade-offs were considered.
- How the service charge protects long-term asset value.
Use a consistent format every quarter
Residents lose trust when numbers change but the format does too. Use the same template each quarter so people can compare without re-learning the structure.
- Budget vs actual by category.
- Top three variances and the reason for each.
- Upcoming work that will affect next quarter.
Show the receipts, not just the headlines
A small document pack can solve most disputes. Keep the supporting materials accessible:
- Quotes and tender summaries.
- Invoices for high-impact line items.
- Meeting minutes or votes related to major spend.
How OpenCourtyard helps
OpenCourtyard keeps every budget decision, document, and update in one place. Residents can see the story behind the numbers without chasing the committee.
Pair Documents with Newsletters and Voting for defensible approvals.
If you want a simple service charge update template, request a demo.