Service Charge Deficit

Leebobs

Dear All,

In late January I received a letter from our leasehold management company (Trinity Estates) containing the audited accounts for the year ending in July 2008.

The accounts indicated an overspend of £6462.60 which when apportioned to each of the flats is £215.42.

The flats themselves are only four years old and but for some minor works to one of the gateposts (when some idiot hit it with a car), there has, to my knowledge been no work at the flat.

The covering letter stated that they would take the money from all those with Direct Debits in March and the only explanation provided was that the money was needed as a result of "unforeseen works to the pumps" and the requirement of an annual maintenance contract.

I have sent two e-mails asking a series of questions about the works we are being charged for, including:
What are these "pumps"?
Where are they located?
What is their function?
Do they service each block of flats equally, or was the fault limited to one of the buildings on site (if so which one)?
What was the fault with the "pumps" which required such an expensive remedy?
Why is a maintenance contract required?
How many quotes did you obtain before agreeing a) the work b) the maintenance contract?
On what date were you aware of the fault and when was it rectified?
Was consideration given as to whether the cost of remedying this fault could be claimed against either the Buildings Insurance or such building guarantee's as may be in existence?

The company have thusfar ignored everything which has been sent to them.

Does anyone know what information they have to provide me with and whether I can withhold payment until that information is forthcoming?

I will of course pay any fair and reasonable charge, but it is imposable to consider whether the charge is reasonable at this stage!!!

Many thanks

2muchdebt

Hi, you could take a look at http://www.lease-advice.org/ and look for the section on service charges. Or, phone them for advice - have done this a few times in the past and found them very friendly and helpful (and their advice is free!)

joeman_2

Leebobs wrote: »

Dear All,

In late January I received a letter from our leasehold management company (Trinity Estates) containing the audited accounts for the year ending in July 2008.

The accounts indicated an overspend of £6462.60 which when apportioned to each of the flats is £215.42.

The flats themselves are only four years old and but for some minor works to one of the gateposts (when some idiot hit it with a car), there has, to my knowledge been no work at the flat.

The covering letter stated that they would take the money from all those with Direct Debits in March and the only explanation provided was that the money was needed as a result of "unforeseen works to the pumps" and the requirement of an annual maintenance contract.

I have sent two e-mails asking a series of questions about the works we are being charged for, including:
What are these "pumps"?
Where are they located?
What is their function?
Do they service each block of flats equally, or was the fault limited to one of the buildings on site (if so which one)?
What was the fault with the "pumps" which required such an expensive remedy?
Why is a maintenance contract required?
How many quotes did you obtain before agreeing a) the work b) the maintenance contract?
On what date were you aware of the fault and when was it rectified?
Was consideration given as to whether the cost of remedying this fault could be claimed against either the Buildings Insurance or such building guarantee's as may be in existence?

The company have thusfar ignored everything which has been sent to them.

Does anyone know what information they have to provide me with and whether I can withhold payment until that information is forthcoming?

I will of course pay any fair and reasonable charge, but it is imposable to consider whether the charge is reasonable at this stage!!!

Many thanks

Old thread i know, but sounds very similar to my experience with Trinity Estates in Southampton.. youre not located in Southampton too are you??