L&Q has raised my flat’s service charge by 41%. I can’t afford it

L&Q building new homes – but residents are faced with rising service charges that seem out of their control. Photograph: Marcin Rogozinski/Alamy

I own 35% of a one-bedroom shared ownership apartment run by the housing association L&Q. Since completion, 15 months ago, the ­service charge has increased by 41% from £182.46 a month to £257.58, though my salary has only gone up by 3%. There is no attempt in L&Q’s letter to justify this extortionate hike, which is creating enormous financial and emotional stress.

MB, London