Management repair charges could result in section 21 ?
I have a leasehold flat in a house of total 5 flats which are managed by a small management company. Now I have a letter saying that the building needs to be redecorated and the roof needs to be changed as the freeholder requested resulting each flat to payuing £6200 . Which is fair enough if things go smoothly.
However, when I called the management company they said at the moment there are 2 flat owners are not be able to contacted yet. So they will serve section 20/21 notice …..
I was wondering if this could take months and if I paid now the money will be sitting there and no idea when the work will be started. Further more if the company went bankrupt that my money will be disappeared.
I wrote to say that I am happy to pay if all flats agreed and work confirmed to start. But I think they will serve me notice if I don’t pay by the dead line 1st June
Am I over worried?
Any comments will be much appreciated .
Cissie
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 104
4:51 PM, 25th May 2015, About 11 years ago
My experience in this field is very limited, but I have always thought it was the freeholder’s responsibility to look after the external parts of a building, which includes the roof and structural elements. Suggest you read your lease carefully to ensure you are liable for costs as the freeholder is suggesting.
John
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 16
5:14 PM, 25th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi John,
Thanks for your advise. I will dig out the lease information and see.
Regards
Cissie
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 22
6:20 PM, 25th May 2015, About 11 years ago
The freeholder has to issue a section 20 to notify leaseholders of any planned work over £250.00 per flat. There should be quotes obtained and as a leaseholder you can instruct your own contractor to put forward a quote. I would suggest you check out the leasehold advisory services website, leasehold can be a nightmare and you MUST understand your lease, if not it could cost you thousands – hope this helps
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 16
8:33 PM, 25th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Elaine Hassall” at “25/05/2015 – 18:20“:
Thanks Elaine. They have done all the bits and now it’s costing me thousands …. But I will read lease carefully and see what can be done!
Really appreciate all advise.
Cissie
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 49
10:08 AM, 26th May 2015, About 11 years ago
I presume these are 10,000 square foot flats, for it to cost £31,000 to redecorate the common areas/externals?
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 16
10:57 AM, 26th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Haha I certainly wish it is but No. The cost is for external building repair/decoration and roof changing.
Regards
Cissie
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1266 - Articles: 1
9:55 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “John Walker” at “25/05/2015 – 16:51“:
It’s the freeholder’s duty to arrange it but the costs are paid from the service charges.
Check the management company’s agent is accredited by RICS or ARMA. Then your money is guaranteed by them.
If they manage themselves, how can they go bankrupt? it isn’t a trading company. If potential fraud is an issue, then you have bigger problems.
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 16
11:31 AM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi Puzzler,
Thanks for advise. Just checked the management agent for freeholder ( small ltd co ) is not a member of RICS or ARMA. And this is the extra charge for repairing works. I don’t mind to pay for the works but , it seems like the agent don’t know when the work will start as two of other owners are not agreed yet… This is why I’m worried.
Best regards
Cissie
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1266 - Articles: 1
12:28 PM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Well, I would be canvassing to change agent although it’s the freeholder’s choice. I would simply wait then until all have agreed.
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 16
2:24 PM, 30th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi Puzzler,
I think that’s what I will do. Many thanks and have a lovely weekend.
Cissie