Freeholder issue...any advice appreciated...

goldbyron

Wondering if anyone can help me with this issue… I have asked my freeholder for permission to install double glazed windows and a security front door. I know they can charge for permission (quoted as management and admin fees) however they wish to charge me £150 (£75 per query). The door was recently vandalised and reported to police as criminal damage. It cost £95 to board up. I feel that the door is not safe (glass smashed) and therefore I need to replace it. I feel that payment of £75 (10% of door cost) is unreasonable when actually I could claim on the insurance we pay to them (freeholders). In addition the windows have wood rot and do not open (think they are illegal now – they are pane of glass and the slats that open up the top) therefore they is no fire exit. Due to these reasons I do not feel I should be paying a high sum such as £150 to replace a door which is obviously a safety risk and windows which are illegal and a fire hazard. Does anyone know any way I can challenge this or do I just have to pay the money? Thanks

pigeonpie

If you have a reasonable freeholder, there should be a fixed scale of charges that you can ask to see. £75 per query sounds about average for these feudal landlords. AFAIK you have to pay. Are you not putting in a claim via your buildings insurance for the door? The insurance company may insist on a security door to avoid future claims(?).

dougk_2

For the door I would let the insurance company deal with the whole matter - make a claim.
In my view replacing a damaged door (an urgent security issue) should not need anyones permission prior to being done if you choose to "upgrade it" I fail to see a problem or a reason for a freeholder to reject or charge for this.

goldbyron

Thanks, will put something in writing to freeholder re: door in the new year.

EdInvestor

Have you checked your lease?Are you sure you need permission to do these repairs?

hazeyj

Are you sure that it is not the freeholders responsability to replace the windows. I understood that windows belong to the freeholder.Maybe check your lease to see what the freeholder/lanlord covanents are.

Also i would claim on the building insurance for the door and then just pay extra to get the one that you really want.