12:30 PM, 25th September 2013, About 12 years ago 36
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I own four flats in a block of 16. The managing agent has been asking me for £30 per flat per annum as the flats are let out, which I am still arguing about as I don’t believe my lease entitles them to this. They also want to know details of my tenants, such as their phone numbers and whether they are on benefits.
I have always told my tenants that as I live around the corner they are to use my contact details in an emergency.
Even if I am away I have people locally whom I leave spare keys with and who will respond.
I am reluctant to give the managing agents contact details of the tenants. I don’t necessarily know which of my tenants are on benefits and don’t think I can pass this information on because of the Data Protection Act if I do know. They apparently have been asked by their insurers who will inflate the premium if there are any residents on benefits.
What do you think?
Edna
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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118
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Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12105 - Articles: 1318
11:43 AM, 18th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Rob ” at “18/06/2014 – 11:41“:
Hi Rob
I suggest you read the entire thread linked above and also the case law before making your decision on this.
What if your lease said minimum £500? Which do you think would take legal precedent, the lease or the case law?
.
Sian Wyatt
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Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 33
6:49 AM, 20th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Reese 1
I paid the £30 per flat that I originally wrote about – having heard how much other people were being charged it suddenly seemed more reasonable…
I never really got an answer about whether I could be made to give details of my tenants and whether they got any benefits. There also seemed to be some confusion at the management company as to exactly what they meant by ‘on benefits’. There could be a difference between someone who gets their wages topped up with a bit of housing benefit so that they can afford the rent and someone who cannot work at all, and anyone on benefits could be a more responsible resident than an owner occupier if they are considerate. There is an arguement that someone more financially vulnerable will be better behaved because of the problems they would have getting another flat (especially one as nice and well looked after as one of mine…!)
I would still be interested to know if it is lawful to give this information. Also whether insurance companies are able to discriminate against tenants as opposed to owner occupiers.
Edna
Rob
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 186 - Articles: 2
13:42 PM, 20th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “18/06/2014 – 11:43“:
Well they refused my offer of £50 plus vat, so i sent them via email a copy of your template letter, plus i will send by recorded as well! Lets see if your letter works )
Reece 1
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Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 3
22:03 PM, 22nd June 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Ian
Simarc have since sent another reminder for the £120 fee for subletting and will charge me £100 plus vat for every time the tenant changes or their tenancy agreement is renewed.
In my lease it states that there will be a charge by the management company but not how much, and there will be a reasonable charge by the freeholders ‘no less than £50 plus vat’
Is it worth seeking legal advice, or should I send them an email agreeing to a charge but disputing the amount.
Beginning to worry about the whole thing now, as they could start adding on their charges !!
Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118
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22:13 PM, 22nd June 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Reece 1” at “22/06/2014 – 22:03“:
That’s how they get away with it. No lawyer will be able to tell you more than has already been said on this thread.
.
Reece 1
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Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 3
20:32 PM, 26th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Hi Mark
I have sent them a draft of the letter which you sent to Rob….. saying I was prepared to pay the reasonable fee of £50 plus VAT.
Has anyone had any dealing with Wallace Estates Ltd?
Lets see what they say