Incompetent management company?

I now manage a small block and we had a dreadful Managing Agent.
I am in the process of taking them through the Property Ombudsman for redress. (They need to be members)
There are other professional associations they may belong to who may also take action…
Dizz

Sorry to hear this. Not a great advert for agents.

Have you actually spoken with them? This would be the first step to understanding the matter; are they amenable to agreeing some deal with you as regards costs. Do they realise what has gone wrong?

If they are not responsive, you have two avenues.

Firstly, you will have a contract with them (hopefully written and signed) which sets out what they should do. If they have failed then you can pursue them for your losses resulting from their failures.

Bear in mind, though, that they did not cause the damage so there may be some consideration of this – i.e. how much loss was attributed to their lack of attention?

Secondly, they are legally obliged to be members of an ombudsmand scheme so you can go through this channel for redress.

As an agent myself I provide a complaints procedure to all clients along with tenants.
Check if you received one from your agent, check the Terms and Conditions within the signed management agreement.
Check the Property Redress Scheme to see if they are registered with them, if they are contact them and they will advise of the steps you need to take.

However, you proceeded take the emotion out of it and keep the facts pure facts

The very best advice is the last above this, keep calm and keep emotions out of the situation, yes, very easy for me to say. But true. That is partly why the old cliché says, “the person who acts for himself has a fool for a client”. If you go to the law, choose the right solicitor. I hope PPTY 118 will point you in the right direction. Bumbling around the current legal morass on your own is time wasting and morale sapping. Pay sensible fees and hope for a decent success. I was a litigation solicitor for too many years to admit but L&T was never on my desk.
The other points on this thread are also good, sound pieces.
Very best of luck to you, it sounds awful.

Reply to the comment left by Blodwyn at 22/07/2024 – 12:45
I’m a North East Landlord with a decent sized portfolio,some of which are managed by agents.I would be interested to know who the agent was that was involved in this so that I can avoid them.
I appreciate you might not want to name them on this site but if you can reply to me privately that would be appreciated.
My contact details:
[email protected]
07745 753000
Thanks

Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 22/07/2024 – 10:58
Thank you, that’s very helpful.

Also have properties in that area and we’ve gone through 3 similar agents. Can we know who it is the first initial of the company and area if you don’t want to name them. I did go after one starting w S right up to Property Redress, we have another starting with B up serving Durham area.. similar lack of service. Started off with one starting w C – complete crooks .

I find this odd and two instances, “12%’ of unpaid rent is sweet FA and what costs can an agent claim in respect of anything let alone gabdlibg acdeposit claim, what does your agreement say?

You have 3 options on the case:

1. Small Claims Court is suitable for claims up to £10,000 in England and Wales (amounts vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland). This court is designed to handle straightforward claims quickly and with minimal legal costs. The process is less formal than higher courts and is often used for claims related to property damage, unpaid rent, and breach of contract.
2. County Court for claims exceeding the small claims limit, you would file your claim in the County Court. This process is more formal and may require legal representation. It’s used for more complex cases or higher value claims.
3. ADR Methods means that before going to court, the parties can consider alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration. These methods can be quicker and less costly than litigation.

Important to mention, that before filing a claim, you should follow the pre-action protocol, which involves sending a detailed letter before action to the property management company, outlining your claim and giving them a chance to resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a claim through the appropriate court.