Apply for a Window License!!!

Sue11

A friend has just bought a flat and the old double glazed windows need replacing some won't even shut.
She rang the managing agents who said she must send in a covering note as to what she wants to do along with an estimate and a spec of the windows to be used so as to get a window license from the landlord at a cost of £300 plus VAT. Is this normal?

G_M

Normal? Yes.

Expensive? Yes.

Has she checked her lease first to make sure the windows are not the freeholder's responsibility to repair/replace?

Sue11

Hi
Thank you for responding and yes she has checked and found the windows are down to her.


Sue

G_M

Then she'll have to submit plans so the freeholder (or M. Agent) can ensure they are suitable ie perhaps instruct a surveyor to review the building and the plans.

eddddy

To save going round the loop extra times, your friend could try asking the freeholder/agent at the outset what they would consider to be acceptable.

(e.g. if they say they must be timber, it might save wasted effort in researching, preparing and submitting plans for uPVC windows - only for them to be immediately rejected.)


Regarding the fee... it should be 'reasonable' and reflect the work the freeholder/agent does. See this link for details: http://www.lease-advice.org/information/faqs/print_faq.asp?section=10

So if the agent just gives it a quick glance and says 'ok' - £300 probably isn't reasonable.

But if they show your plans to an architect or surveyor, and have to pay them a fee - perhaps £300 is reasonable.

(Your friend also has to consider whether she would want to get into a dispute with her freeholder/agent over the fee - or just pay up for a quiet life.)

Sue11

Thank you for the help.


Sue