That confuses me horseface, i would expect the high maintenance charges per month was like a sinking fund for a pot that is used to carry out such big repairs, this is the case in many share of freehold properties. If this is the case where you have to pay extra money for repairs im not sure what the high service charge is for? There is one handy man in the building who i see cleaning occasionally and possibly a gardener, and i suppose communal lights are another cost.