Guide

What to ask your managing agent when costs increase

Use focused questions to understand what changed, why it changed, and what evidence supports the increase.

Ask what changed. Request a category and supplier breakdown of the increase, including one-off and recurring costs.
Compare plans with outcomes. Ask how the new figure differs from the budget, prior year, and any earlier explanation.
Understand procurement. Request information about contracts, quotes, tendering, commissions, and how value for money was assessed.
Request supporting evidence. Identify the invoices, receipts, works records, and consultation documents that support the charge.
Keep the answer usable. Ask for a written response that addresses each question and can be matched back to the relevant figures.