Management company making me change windows

G-McDog

Hi,

Today, I received a letter from our very annoying management company. They apparently have said my windows have been noted to be deteriorating and in of repair. I completely disagree. I think the windows are fine.

Is there anything I can do? Can they make me change the windows? We're only planning on being here for another year!

Dr._Shoe

Do you have to pay for them? If you do, can you chose who fits them? If the answer is yes then no, you are being scammed.

Hoploz

Is this a block of flats? If so I imagine all the windows would have had block maintenance organised by the management company at the same time, so yours would be in the same state as the others?

Or have I misinterpreted your situation?

Scotcheggs

They wld need obtain a compulsory order if your windows are in danger of falling out. Otherwise ignore them or seek meeting with a representative present and tell them this and keep minutes and send them a copy.

G-McDog

Hoploz wrote: »

Is this a block of flats? If so I imagine all the windows would have had block maintenance organised by the management company at the same time, so yours would be in the same state as the others?

Or have I misinterpreted your situation?

Hi, yes this is in a block of flats. I would say you were exactly correct.

The letter says "We are writing to you in connection with the windows which have been noted to be deteriorating and in need of repair. Perhaps you would good enough to respond to this letter advising us of your plans to remedy the situation in accordance with your responsibilities set out in the terms of your lease"

It then goes on to say... " Many flats at the development have had windows replaced with UPVC. We look forward to receiving your response confirming how you intend maintain the windows in good and tenantable condition, in line with the requirements detailed above."

The thing is, I completely disagree on their assesment of our windows. In fact, our windows are in much better condition that all the windows (and doors) in the communal areas! Which I assume are the ones they need to maintain. When looking at everyone else's windows they're in exactly the same state as mine. The block was built in 2002, and no-one has seemed to replace them.

Also, I have left in the mistakes in their quote to show how poor a management company they are!! Shall I just ignore them, or should I respond telling them I disagree and note my windows are in the same state as all the others in the block, including those in the communal areas? I have to say, I really don't like this management company. They are really poor!!

G-McDog

Dr._Shoe wrote: »

Do you have to pay for them? If you do, can you chose who fits them? If the answer is yes then no, you are being scammed.

The letter is written in the way that I have to pay for them. I assume I get to chose who fits them also.

G-McDog

Scotcheggs wrote: »

They wld need obtain a compulsory order if your windows are in danger of falling out. Otherwise ignore them or seek meeting with a representative present and tell them this and keep minutes and send them a copy.

So is it only if they're in danger of falling out? Because these aren't at all. The block was built in 2002, so the windows are only 13 years old. Not really old enough to be falling out!! Do you think I should respond saying I disagree or just ignore?

princeofpounds

Hi there.

Before you do anything you need to understand on what basis you relate to the management company.

Are you in England/Wales?

What does your lease say about the responsibility for windows?

Who is the freeholder of the block?

G-McDog

princeofpounds wrote: »

Hi there.

Before you do anything you need to understand on what basis you relate to the management company.

Are you in England/Wales?

What does your lease say about the responsibility for windows?

Who is the freeholder of the block?

We're in England. The responsibility of the windows is mine. Hmmm, freeholder I'm not sure. It's not me, and it's not the management company. Someone else. I guess my argument is I don't think the windows need repair. They are fine.

Generali

G-McDog wrote: »

We're in England. The responsibility of the windows is mine. Hmmm, freeholder I'm not sure. It's not me, and it's not the management company. Someone else. I guess my argument is I don't think the windows need repair. They are fine.

I'd write back along the following lines.

Dear Xxx,

Thank you for your letter dated dd/mmm/yy.

I maintain my apartment as specified in my lease, windows included. As a result I believe them to be of a decent standard and not in need of replacement. I also note that they are in considerably better condition than the windows in communal areas.

Please confirm any professional advice you have to the contrary.

kind regards,

G-McDog