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Not happy with factors charges. What can I do?
Scotwoody
Posts: 2 Newbie
I moved to a new development of houses and apartments about a year ago. There is due to be about 500 properties in total, about half of which have been completed so far.
About a month ago I received a letter inviting us to a meeting to meet the reps from the company nominated to be the factor for the development. At the meeting they outlined the charges - £200 per year - to look after communal green spaces, woodland, river, roads etc. Also at the meeting we discussed setting up a residents association, which should happen soon but nothing in place at the moment.
Bill arrived today from this company along with copy of the minutes from the meeting. Instead of being a bill for £200 as stated at the meeting it is now for £400!! This includes a £200 float. I object to paying this as it is double what was stated ( this is backed up by the minutes) and I don't have a spare £400 hanging around. They will 'kindly' allow you to pay in installments but want an extra £33 admin charge for the pleasure.
Included with the bill was a statement for the total charges which included a large amount for upkeep and maintenance of the playground area. This area has yet to be built and will not be done until all the houses are completed so I guess at least a year away. How can they charge for work which cannot possibly be undertaken?
Can anyone offer any advice? Do I just have to pay up or is there anywhere I can go to complain?
Thanks
About a month ago I received a letter inviting us to a meeting to meet the reps from the company nominated to be the factor for the development. At the meeting they outlined the charges - £200 per year - to look after communal green spaces, woodland, river, roads etc. Also at the meeting we discussed setting up a residents association, which should happen soon but nothing in place at the moment.
Bill arrived today from this company along with copy of the minutes from the meeting. Instead of being a bill for £200 as stated at the meeting it is now for £400!! This includes a £200 float. I object to paying this as it is double what was stated ( this is backed up by the minutes) and I don't have a spare £400 hanging around. They will 'kindly' allow you to pay in installments but want an extra £33 admin charge for the pleasure.
Included with the bill was a statement for the total charges which included a large amount for upkeep and maintenance of the playground area. This area has yet to be built and will not be done until all the houses are completed so I guess at least a year away. How can they charge for work which cannot possibly be undertaken?
Can anyone offer any advice? Do I just have to pay up or is there anywhere I can go to complain?
Thanks
0
Comments
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There is a tribunal process i believe, if the services charged for are not provided.
Did you vote at this meeting to elect this company to manage the communal area? (or did the developer use the bulk vote to push it through)?0 -
The company were awarded the contract by the consortium of developers on the site (5 different developers on the one site) so we had no option.
I am going to call the direct to complain on Monday but would like to find out how to complain externally if I don't get any satisfaction.
I also pay another factor £45 per month as I am in an apartment and they clean the building, do repars, look after the communal areas directly around the building0
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