Locked out of own flat

NinjaD

Hi,

I currently have a shared ownership property (flat). I pay a mortgage for 40% and rent on 60%. I pay a service charge which covers cleaning of the communal areas and maintenance of a door system.

In the past 2 years the door system has broken on more than 30 occasions which means (as I live alone) I am trapped out of my own home. It happened again on saturday, I had been out all day so my phone battery had died, I was exhausted and looking forward to climbing into bed. When I got home I found that my key fob would not unlock the door & the buzzer system would not work so I couldn't buzz any of my neighbours to let me in. I had to then travel 15 minutes to my friends to get a phone charger to charge my phone. I complained and they said it had been reported to the security company. They will turn up within 4 hours and my only option is to wait. Luckily I have a neighbours phone number, so I phoned them and asked them to open the door from the inside and put something in the lock so that I could get in upon my returned. I have had to annoy this neighbour on many occasions which I am obviously not happy doing.

I was wondering where I stand legally before I contact them to complain yet again? My service charge is constantly going up. I started off paying £49/month 2 years ago. and I'm now paying over £100 without any improvements. Can I refuse to pay the service charge until they fit an alternative solution so that I can always get in? e.g. a lock and key?. Or next time can I try to find a hotel and charge them the bill?

Thanks for any help.

maninthestreet

Presumably, you are not the only occupier in the block of flats who is inconvenienced by this?

NinjaD

No, we have received a letter approx 2 months ago saying they have changed security company and we will not receive the problem again. But that didn't work out. They have been aware of the problem for a very long time.

There are 7 flats, I am the only one that lives alone. The other flats have family members that they can call to let them in. I am out at unusual hours, I once went out at 3am to dispose of rubbish only to find I couldn't get back in. I was in my socks with no jacket in the middle of winter. _pale_

pmlindyloo

Write a formal letter of complaint.

Despite your neighbours not having the same difficulties as you they are still paying for a service that is not being carried efficiently. Point this out to them and get them to sign the letter.

See here for who to write to and what to include in teh letter:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/leaseholders_rights/complaints_about_freeholders

Pixie5740

What if your neighbours had a family day out? There would be no one to let them in either.

As pmlindyloo says, write a letter of complaint. Gaining access to your home is a basic requirement.

maninthestreet

A 100%+ increase in the service charge over a two period is daylight robbery!

vintagebrighton

Does that mean each flat is paying £100pm in service charges? £700pm and you can't even get in! Definitely complain formally in writing, that's outrageous.

VB x