Is ongiing service charge on a flat owned by the deceased an ongoing expense of the estate if property not yet sold or transferred?
If the terms of ownership of the flat impose a service charge upon the flat-owner then, yes, if the deceased was the flat-owner their estate would be primarily liable for the service charge.
Depending upon the circumstances, the estate might have a right of recovery/reimbursement from a third party for all or some of the service charge.
It has to be born in mind that if the service charge remains unpaid the landlord may have a right of forfeiture, so that the value of the flat could be lost to the estate.
Paul Saunders FCIB TEP
Independent Trust Consultant
Providing support and advice to fellow professionals