Leaseholder Queries

dealhunter

Hi all,

I've currently owned my own 2-bed for about 6 years.

The management company (Solitaire) are less than impressive with their maintenance and ever-increasing charges.

In any case, I have two issues with regards to heating:

1. many of my secondary glazed windows, in that the seals seem worn, and there's a lot of cold air entering through these.

2. Since I live in the top floor of my flat, I've been told I am not allowed to store items in the loft (although I could since I have access). I am pretty certain I don't have enough loft insulation, and that this would greatly help to keep my flat warm and reduce my bills.

My question is... whose responsibility would these two issues relate to? I thought the management company. Any suggestions?

I have written them an email and am awaiting a reply.

Regards,

DH

sarah_elton

In my leasehold flat, residents are responsible for the windows (I replaced my secondary glazed wood-framed windows with uPVC double glazing).

Essexgirl81

Hiya,

My management company is also Solitaire - I know what you mean about the ever increasing charges for what I always say to my husband is like paying for 'thin air'!!! :rotfl:

Anyway, we too have issues with the windows (and consequently mould and damp in the property) but were told that it was our responsibility to change the windows if we want to. As long as it was 'like-for-like' and by someone Fensa approved they don't care.

Mind you, might cut down on the 'outside painting' charge they levy on us every year when they paint our windows shut!! That's one way to conserve heat I guess!! :rotfl:

Doozergirl

Read your lease! It should detail what you are responsible and whether, if you change the windows, you have to write for permission from the freeholder.

With regard to loft insulation, everything a managing agent does is for profit, therefore the quote they provide will be for someone to buy it, someone else to fit it, someone else to organise it for your managing agent, the fee for your managing agent to start the ball rolling in the first place and then another fee for some random surveyor to check it all before and after it happens.

The other option is to find loft insulation on BOGOF, do it yourself and store your christmas decs up there until they tell you to take it down. I bet it's cheaper that way than it even being split amongst your fellow leaseholders.