Amicus horizon...holding me over a barrell.. advice please

[Deleted User]

Last March Amicus Horizon who own the freehold to my flat wrote to me stating that they were to undergo replacing soffits and facias (there's nothing wrong with them by the way),of which contain asbestos,and to repaint the building of 4 flats...cost...£10,000 ! of which I have to stump 25%.I wrote back and included quotes from other companies which for the same work came in at £4000 less and objected to the work planned.I heard nothing for months then last friday (13/09/13) I had a flyer from the building company saying that they were going to start work this weds.On calling Amicus I was told that I had to pay up as it was in my leasehold agreement I had to pay for 25% of repairs (I know that) and that there was nothing I could do.What's stopping Amicus (I said to them) from next year deciding that they want to put a new roof on at a cost of £50k ? Please people is there anything or anyone I can turn to.They are busting my b***s over this....I haven't got £2500...period !!!

pinkshoes

Have you spoken to the other 3 flat owners?

I'd write back saying that you wish to see the 3 quotes they obtained, and the evidence showing the work needs doing. I'd state that your quotes obtained were £6000 so you will be speaking to the other flat owners to make it clear that you will only be willing to pay £1500.

When were the soffits last changed?

You need to act quickly.

vikingaero

Ask them to send you copies of the 3 quotes they should have obtained. Or did they just farm the work out to their pet contractor?

earthstorm

Trouble is most landlords etc. will have either their own builders or contracts with certain companies in place, so will most likely not have 3 quotes as general householders should get.

jacques_chirac

earthstorm wrote: »

Trouble is most landlords etc. will have either their own builders or contracts with certain companies in place, so will most likely not have 3 quotes as general householders should get.

None of which changes their obligations to their tenants.

http://www.lease-advice.org/information/faqs/faq.asp?item=173

OP, you can challenge these charges at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal if the agent has not followed due process (it wouldn't be the first time!). The Leasehold Advisory Service can advise further.

[Deleted User]

yes they have their own pet contractor-Colours Decorating...and the other three flats are still housing assoc...I am the only home owner

Dancing_Heart

Any progress? Looks like they have not followed correct procedure.



1. If the soffits etc are ok - State no reason given - - not recoverable from the service charge

2. Write affadavit to effect that works not required etc.
Are they members of RICS - send info on them and complain also to Property Ombudsman.


Wouldn't waste time with LVT just yet.

Make clear you are not consenting to this. Have you had Notice of Intention outlining works and a detailed Specification?

I have had to deal with same nonsense. Agents took work estimated at £13k to £120k and demanded money for phase 1 with no Completed Section 20 Notice or specification prepared. The LVT (Leasehold Valuation Tribunal) now called the Lands Tribunal rubberstamped this madness. Other two dodgy joint freeholders went along with it and the LVT paid no attention to the details. Agents were awful, presented figures on the day on their iPad etc and dodgy freeholder ranting along all the way. What a fiasco.

Check out Youtube and Leasehold valuation /Dennis Jackson or at link below You- wouldn't believe the games that go on at LVT. leasehold-uk at dot com/documentary

Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Dancing Queen.They did send the section 20...and the reason for the work they said was because of the asbestos in the soffits.
I've spoken to Amicus head office.She said I won't be billed for 12 months (no good to me I said as I still have to pay)..also the excuse that 'it may not come in at £10k' ! and if I can prove 'hardship' then they may consider spreading the payments over 5 years instead of just three.Wow !
I'm keeping a diary of what's going on workwise and photos too.I wish I could post a pic of the scaffold that's up...all £2,700 worth ! So I will still send letters objecting to the cost and will probably contact the ombusman at some point down the line.The cost of the work on average from other companies comes in at £6000...so at the end of it all...if it does come in around there then that will be a fair result...£10k...then I contest !