Paying for cleaning thats not being done

hyposmurf

I'm currently on a shared ownership,paying mortgage to my bank and rent to the housing association.An additional part of my fees that go to my landlord include those for grounds maintenace cleaning etc.
Ive been in the property now over 6 motnhs and the lobby area serving our flats hasnt been cleaned at all,no hoover used or anything dusted.There is still swarf on the carpet from the original building works.I've made countless complaints to the housing association and they just keep telling they are dealing with it and will get back to me.Have been passed from person to the other and am getting no where.The other two residents who use this lobby are are also peeved that theyre paying for something that isnt being done.We'd clean it ourself but that would be madness as were paying for it.

I have all my complaints sent via email regarding the above,so how easy would it be for the residents to get away with not paying for the cleaning part of service charge during the next annual charge?
I'd rather do the cleaning myself for the money they are charging.Any guidance would be appreciated.

Poppycat

Get a petition going and then send a strongly worded letter to HA.

abaxas

Dont quote me on this...

But I think you can offset the costs.

Obtains 2-3 quotes for cleaning. Send quotes to LL.
Wait 4 weeks
Go with cheapest quote and state to LL you will offset the cost.
Wait 4 weeks.
Get the new cleaners in and remove that cost from your rent.

hyposmurf

Not a bad idea I reckon though that they should be providing the service to us in at least a 6 month period.If they dont provide such a service then we should be entitled to not pay the following year,possibly be reimbursed for this year to.Im just wondering whats the best way to go about this.

lynzpower

Have you put in an offiocial written complaint to the HA? if not do that asap

once youve exhausted this then you need to speak to the housing corp.

there MAY well be grounds to a) get your money back as they have taken it dishonestly. and b) as a tenanats association decide who you willl employ ( ie yourself if you wanted, although legally I bet theres some contract isuses?) to do the cleaning.

you have to exhaust the complaints process first.

Alan_M_2

If you nad your neighbours are a responsible like minded bunch, eject the existing management agent that's doinf sweet FA and set up your own company to deal with at all.

See "Right to Manage" - there are a few threads on here about that, and if you type that phrase into a google you'll be overwhelmed with information.

Will save you a lotof money in the long run and give you control of your own finances.

Mrs_pbradley936

Have a look here:-

http://www.rtmadvisory.co.uk/index.asp

hyposmurf

This sounds like a good idea however I am also hesitant to get my current landlords back up.Is it possible they will hike other charges up to cover these lost costs?Thanks for that link however there phone number doesnt work.I'd laos like to help sort this issue but not be at the for front with my name plastered all over this issue.Last thing I'd want is to be known at the housing association as trouble maker.

Mrs_pbradley936

I know what you mean so just try going down the road of making a formal complaint(s). If it was me I would probably get the hoover and a jay cloth and do the area outside my door. If you do plan to do that take a few "before and after" photos because it would be ironic if the HA got lots of complaints so sent someone round only to find it was all spotless!

jonewer

hyposmurf wrote:

Last thing I'd want is to be known at the housing association as trouble maker.

Why? Arent you paying them money to provide a service? What are you afraid of?

hyposmurf

I met with the contractor on site this morning. He was surprised at the state of the property and will be sending someone out as soon as possible to
thoroughly clean the block. So you should see a vast improvement shortly.

We are in the process of organizing a refund of the cleaning service charge for those in your block. I will let you know how much and when it
is to be paid.

I'll hold my fingers ands see what happens