Housing Association, Howdens, and New Kitchen

Melissa177

Hi,

This is possibly the wrong forum to post my question in, but it is regarding a recent sale and a housing association, so here I go:


I've recently bought a one-bed flat in Battersea. I own the leasehold, the freeholder is Wandle Housing Association. The kitchen was not very nice (the original kitchen, from 1994), and so the first thing I've done is to buy a new kitchen - I went with Betta Kitchens, who offered me the best deal. No issue there.

Yesterday I received a letter from Howdens (who are the trade arm of MFI, I believe). The letter was hand addressed, but the contents were generic. It read:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am trying to contact you regarding your replacement kitchen on behalf of Wandle Housing Association.

Please contact me as soon as possiuble on the above mobile number so I can arrange a suitable time to visit.

Please call between 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Regards,
XXX



This made me wonder:

- Why did the housing association give my details to Howdens?
- How do Howdens (whom I've never contacted before) know about my new kitchen? Or is just a coincidence and they're contacting everyone who has a flat with Wandle?
- Because I don't own the freehold to the flat, are there any issues with me buying a new kitchen? I didn't think about that when I ordered it. I can't imagine there would be (unless anyone knows differently).

I've rang Howdens, but the person on the letter was on a call, so they're calling me back later.


Has anyone had a similar experience?

Polotoo

Hello there.
I would think that the letter was purely a co-incidence, and is being sent to those on a planned maintenance programme (others within the block), and has probably been sent to you in error as a leaseholder. I don't think they'll put a new kitchen in for you, unfortunately.
I have worked for a housing association, and know that leaseholders had to request for any improvements, it was usually just someone confirming that it was ok to continue, they may want to come and inspect the work though.
Looking at other housing associations websites, this does seem to be the case, so even if you are only changing the kitchen you do need permission from the freeholder, but would suggest you contact them to clarify. They should have a leaseholders/right to buy department who can help.
Its better to be safe than sorry, and at least you would know.
Hope this helps.
Polotoo

olly300

I would read your lease thoroughly and find any leaseholders booklets that come with it. You may find that some services, repairs and replacements are done and they are included in your service charge.

Then contact your housing association on the telephone and ask them if they have any deals with Howdens. They should be able to answer you in minutes. http://www.wandle.com/

You don't always need permission to change a kitchen or bathroom unless you are changing plumbing, putting in extractor fans or rewiring however your lease will tell you this.

Melissa177

Thanks for the advice - I will give Wandle a call.

I'm not rewiring or adding any additional extractor fans, or changing the plumbing - it's largely a straight swap. I did read the lease quite thoroughly at the time, but I think I should recheck it again. Thanks for the advice.

kingkano

We had the same thing with our housing association. All the council tenants are getting new kitchens but not the leaseholders obviously. But the people sent out to meet the council tenants quite often didnt have the correct details about who was a leaseholder and who wasnt.

Purely coincidental that your kitchen is being done at the same time though lol.