Asked to pay contribution to fire detection system

mcchalk

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but…

I live in a flat/apartment (lease hold) in a block with 15 other flats and have received a letter from the housing association who run/own the building saying due to current legislation they have to install a fire detection system in the communal area which will cost £2,765.00. They say it will cost each flat owner £172.81 each and we will be invoiced accordingly following completion!

My question is can they make me pay for this? I phoned them up to challenge them on this as we pay a maintenance charge for around £92 each a month and they told me the money would not come out of the pot that has been created by the monthly charge because its not listed as one of the charges the fee is paid for. They also told me it’s in my lease that they can just do work like this without consulting anyone and charge for it? I'm so annoyed that this is happening. Does anyone even know if it is compulsory to have them fitted in the communal area and if so when was the legislation created. If it was before the flats were made would we have a case to not pay it?

Thanks for anyone’s help with this

Martin

Doozergirl

My not very great understanding is that if the works are under £250 per flat then they don't have to consult as it is not 'major work'. Your service charge pays for a certain amount, it won't pay for extras like this.

The legislation is wonderful - it was created to cover business premises but somehow the communal areas of flats falls under this. This article I think is the best explanation of it I've seen.
http://www.fire-magazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1264:new-safety-rules-spark-protection-debate&catid=27&Itemid=12

In a block of 15 flats, there really should be adequate measures in place - whether that be fire doors to each property etc or an additional means of alerting people etc is up to the person responsible for assessing the place for risk. If you consider that someone has already gone to prison for this, then it really is a serious matter and common sense should be applied if there is not already adequate protection in place.

mcchalk

Does that mean I have to pay it then or can I fight it? There are fire alarms there already just not break glass alarms and I think is unnecessary.

Thanks

M

ckerrd

I think you will have to pay. You can of course ask them to detail the correct legislation that is forcing them to install this to see that it is indeed necessary.

mcchalk

sorry to add to this i have read that link and it says "In most blocks of flats, particularly those designed and built to modern building standards, the policy for residents in the event of a fire would normally be ‘stay put’ unless the fire is in your flat. These flats are designed so that adequate fire compartmentation is provided to protect occupants of other flats. The common parts of these buildings are also usually required to be kept sterile with no obstructions or storage of combustible materials.
Where flats are not built to modern standards, compensatory features such as fire detection, alarms, and potentially fire extinguishers are required."

The flat im in is only 5 years old is this not a modern building?

lincroft1710

Look at it another way - is your personal safety worth £173? If the extra charge was for redecoration or potted plants in communal areas then I would complain, but your peace of mind is something else. Also fires in blocks of flats appear to be on the increase.

Yes, it is not pleasant to get these bills, but the HA would probably have to increase rent otherwise.

Batchy

HA rent...

OP said OWNERS therefore if they would be renting they wouldnt be the owner therefore wouldn't have to pay the rent.

Good luck, I think its unnecessary, but then, what do i know, safety is important at the end of the day.

mcchalk

Safety gone mad. There is nothing wrong with it now. Fire doors everywhere!

ckerrd

Ask them to provide the relevant legislation under which they want to do this work.

Then you will know if you have to pay it or not.

mcchalk

Will do that. Thanks

Fire_Fox

mcchalk wrote: »

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but…

I live in a flat/apartment (lease hold) in a block with 15 other flats and have received a letter from the housing association who run/own the building saying due to current legislation they have to install a fire detection system in the communal area which will cost £2,765.00. They say it will cost each flat owner £172.81 each and we will be invoiced accordingly following completion!

My question is can they make me pay for this? I phoned them up to challenge them on this as we pay a maintenance charge for around £92 each a month and they told me the money would not come out of the pot that has been created by the monthly charge because its not listed as one of the charges the fee is paid for. They also told me it’s in my lease that they can just do work like this without consulting anyone and charge for it? I'm so annoyed that this is happening. Does anyone even know if it is compulsory to have them fitted in the communal area and if so when was the legislation created. If it was before the flats were made would we have a case to not pay it?

Thanks for anyone’s help with this

Martin

I don't really understand why you are annoyed, this is the nature of home ownership especially of leasehold properties. Landlords/ managing agents have to comply with the legislation, if they don't your buildings insurance will be worthless!

Your conveyancing solicitor may have explained that your service charges are for ongoing repairs and maintenance, and that additional levies for major works or adjustments are possible. He certainly should have had you read your long lease and service charge documents so that you understood what you have to contribute to.

This website explains service charges and additional levies in plain English:
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/