Hi - I bought a flat - one in a block of around forty fairly average ones - in Leeds. I and many other residents feel that our Property Management agency are ripping us off on a number of counts and we are researching this matter. Whilst researching we found that we are paying six and a half grand a year for Management Fees (to people who really aren't doing anything) and 4 grand a year as a Head Landlord Service Charge. Considering both amounts are going to the same company we feel a little resentful. Can anyone shed light on why two payments are necessary and if they seem reasonable? Thanks!

hi Few months ago we received a letter from Equita that we own around £500 for unpaid council tax. I paid full amount same day but on the council website. Two weeks later the bailiff came to our flat and because my younger brother was not aware of that he let him in.He called me and I was trying to explain that we paid everything and we don't want pay again. anyway,because we never had anything to do with this situation we decide to pay again to give us some time to sort out this "misunderstanding" Next day we called council to check our balance which was £50 cr and then we've cancelled credit card payment. I thought that it has been sorted but few days ago we received another letter form Equita saying that we still own some money ( no amount on the letter) and that they will take our staff without even asking us.I called them to check whats going on and to find out how much we own them. "Nice" Lady told me that it's £240 and all this money is their Fee.When I asked to send me brakedown she refused and told me that it is to late for that and if I not pay NOW someone will come on Saturday to take my goods.I told her what I think about all this situation and hang up.No one came on Saturday but today I found another letter with the 24H notice that they will remove my goods even in my absence!!!. I went to council to talk with someone.Nice lady from council office called them to check what is it and they told her that I need to pay £240 fee. She asked for the brakedown and they said that they will send it by email in 15 minutes but it's been 6 h now and still nothing. Do you think I need to be worried that someone will come and break in to my flat when I'm at work? please help.

We used a loss assessor to handle a household insurance claim for us. The fees agreed at the start were 10% of the eventual payout + expenses, which I believe to be fairly standard. However, having just sent us a statement, he's not only charged us the 10% & expenses, but 17.5% VAT on top. Is this correct? That effectively makes it a 27.5% fee - not the 10% I was expecting them to take!

they charge 10 pound if you're late paying your bill. that hasn't happen lots, but i wondered. they charge 5 pound per month if you don't pay by direct debit. i've had those fees since i joined Virgin Media in january 2006. they charge 1.25p per month for receiving a paper bill...instead of just an E-bill. which i have also been charge for since i joined in jan' 2006.

I have applied for a secured loan with Welcome (I know, I know but i'm desperate and my credit score is pretty awful!) I have received my final pack but there is a form in there for Authority to Contact Employer. Now i'm really not comfortable with Welcome contacting my boss, will they decline my application if I do not complete this form?