Blueroom Properties Ltd / Countrywide - back-billing

scotslad1983

Hi All,

I am in what is pretty much a unique situation.. I think.

I live in a stair of 12 flats, and we are in a block of 32 (12, 8, 12). On my title deeds it says we share roof repairs etc 1/32, makes sense to me.

I've discovered since moving into my flat, that I am the only one in thirty two flats that is not owned by Blueroom Properties - I am the only home owner.

In two years of living there, I have had endless problems, a roof repair required, stair and cleaning issues, broken intercom, intermittent lighting at night time, insulation from wind in the stair, broken locks on entrances, and the list goes on, and these things are not repaired promptly, if at all. I had to get the roof fixed (typcially I'm top flat) by the Council as it was becoming a danger (tiles slipping off!). My solicitor informed me there was no factor for the building, but I have taken the number for this company from a neighbour (even though I was warned they won't do anything), and they are the most non-transparent company I've come across. Everybody exists except the person I need to speak to. I can pay money fine, and rent a property fine, but cannot ask for a repair.

Received a delightful letter today saying, in error, they've not invoiced me for six years - but they'd like £297.70 per year that I've been there - a total of £1488.50. I've only been there two years, but that's the least of my worries. They also say they hold the buildings insurance, and will send the me a certificate on receipt of my payment! I've got my own buldings and contents insurance - this was a term and condition of the mortgage.

Anybody any idea where I stand legally in this debacle, or give me any advice?

My first thought was to ignore this letter, and see if they write again.. not sure if this will do more harm than good though...

Cheers

withabix

What does it say in your Deeds about insurance and maintenance/management charges?

Fire_Fox

Have you made any complaints in writing?

brightonman123

i think the freeholder (and managing agents, if any?) bear ultimate responsibility for safe conition of the building, and recoup of costs from respective lessees..

i know of a local firm that got hauled into court (by lessees / council / whoever?) to account for their lack of proper 'management'.

it cost them quite a few quid.

scotslad1983

withabix wrote: »

What does it say in your Deeds about insurance and maintenance/management charges?

Nothing about insurance in the deeds.. charges are shared through the 32 properties...

scotslad1983

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Have you made any complaints in writing?

Two complaints in writing to two different addresses, but no reply from either. Followed them up by telephone and they said it wasn't their responsibility, and that they couldn't give me a number or address to contact.

Fire_Fox

Do you know what the invoices relate to? Have you asked for copies of annual statements? What documentation were you given by your conveyancer as to management charges? Who is billing you/ who are you writing to Blueroom or Countrywide?

This is the legal position in England and Wales, the organisation may be able to confirm what the law is in Scotland:
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/document.asp?item=14

You need to keep writing, be that to question or to complain. Questions first as it's easier to complain if you know who is responsible for what! Send EVERYTHING recorded delivery and keep copies of every letter and the receipt. Also keep written/ photographic records of every problem. This paper trail is essential if you ever need to go to a LVT - bluntly speaking two letters in two years is not enough.

I am two years on from your position, with two folders of correspondence and invoices! Many of my letters are ignored, tho I do get a better response when I quote the legal position at them. I've been threatened with the bailiffs etc. but it comes to nothing because they haven't a leg to stand on.

Interestingly my managing agents are in Scotland, yours appear to be based in York (I am in Bradford) so perhaps we should swap??

scotslad1983

Many thanks for your in depth reply Fire Fox..

This is the first bit of interaction I've had from the company, any company, since I moved in two years ago.

Thanks for the link, I'm away to consult my deeds and compare. I looked before, and nowhere was maintenance/a factor mentioned.

Stair cleaning and lighting is provided, so I accept there should be a charge as such.. just not keen on back-paying them for insurance that I had already arranged, and have arranged for next year also.

Back to the original post, should I ignore this first piece of correspondence?

scotslad1983

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Interestingly my managing agents are in Scotland, yours appear to be based in York (I am in Bradford) so perhaps we should swap??

This is something that annoys me.. I've been quoted addresses in places afar as Southend, south coast etc.. all seems purposeful that I can't actually go and speak to somebody.

(Also stops somebody approaching said person with a baseball bat :rotfl:)

What is your position if you don't mind me asking?

Fire_Fox

scotslad1983 wrote: »

This is something that annoys me.. I've been quoted addresses in places afar as Southend, south coast etc.. all seems purposeful that I can't actually go and speak to somebody.

(Also stops somebody approaching said person with a baseball bat :rotfl:)

What is your position if you don't mind me asking?

Seriously communicate by letter, in person is the same as a phone call you have no paper trail. Not sure what you mean by what is my position?