Unexpected Expense!

K_and_N

Hi,
I received a “Notice of Intention” from freehold owner of my flat concerning planned maintenance work to the block my flat is in.
It is for PVCu replacement Windows and the cost is estimated at over £2700 for each flat:eek:. They are now inviting all flat to make written observations in relation to the proposed works or estimated cost.
I just want to check what my rights are during that period and mainly what I should be doing to reduce that cost. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
K and N

Doozergirl

Go and find quotes of your own! I believe that you can submit alternative quotes for consideration.

How many windows to a flat? Period style or not? Get drawings of the proposed windows as the look and spec of them very much affects costs - so you use these as a comparison so that you match the spec.

Jowo_2

I think the Leasehold Advisory Service site has good info for leaseholders, including how to challenge charges.

K_and_N

Thank you.

K & N

ManicMum

When I had a flat i had a bill for painting and it was a red brick house! SO it was just the window frames and railings outside but thhis was over a grand each and just the 3 flats. Most of the cost was scaffolding. Don't know if they will need that for windows or whether they fit them from inside. Unfortuntaly this is the prob with leasehold and why when you eventually get a freehold you vow never to go back to leasehold. You can get your own quotes though but so many 'elf and safety' regs these days, they may need scaffolding. Not sure. Good luck anyway.

Fire_Fox

K_and_N wrote: »

Hi,
I received a “Notice of Intention” from freehold owner of my flat concerning planned maintenance work to the block my flat is in.
It is for PVCu replacement Windows and the cost is estimated at over £2700 for each flat:eek:. They are now inviting all flat to make written observations in relation to the proposed works or estimated cost.
I just want to check what my rights are during that period and mainly what I should be doing to reduce that cost. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
K and N

This website should be read alongside the consultation documents and your own long lease: http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/
Is your freeholder a public (council, housing association) or private organisation?

ManicMum wrote: »

When I had a flat i had a bill for painting and it was a red brick house! SO it was just the window frames and railings outside but thhis was over a grand each and just the 3 flats. Most of the cost was scaffolding. Don't know if they will need that for windows or whether they fit them from inside. Unfortuntaly this is the prob with leasehold and why when you eventually get a freehold you vow never to go back to leasehold. You can get your own quotes though but so many 'elf and safety' regs these days, they may need scaffolding. Not sure. Good luck anyway.

I have gone from freehold to leasehold and I know others who have done the same; many single people and retired couples find living in apartments with maintenance organised for them suits. IMO the problem is often leaseholders not understanding their rights and responsibilities, which is why the law was changed in 2007 to include a statement of rights with every demand for payment.