How to deal with a poor managing agent like DJC Property Management?

londoner2402

I live in a flat in a building managed by DJC Property Management services. The leasehold has 249 years in left in it. The service charge is north of 2000 pounds (excluding insurance which is another 500 and obviously, ground rent). They don't do much to manage the property (eg: the second floor corridor leaks water when it rains) and do not seem very responsive in terms of communication.

Has anyone else had a bad experience with DJC and if yes, what would you advice we do to make them take care of the property a little more and hold them accountable for all the money they charge us? Thank you!

InterestedParty2018

Communication is key for any managing agent, so this is poor.
In the interim, have you reviewed the accounts to see where exactly your £2k is being spent? Is the lack of action due to lack of funds? (Not that this is an excuse, but it can sometimes explain delays.)

You refer to a leak, is this wear & tear or damage caused as a result of an insured peril? If it is the latter, there may be an insurance claim underway.

Do you have an interest in the Freehold Company? If so, you (along with the other residents) can change managing agent. Alternatively there are ways & means to force a change in management. Information on doing this is available on the Lease Advisory website.

Please remember, all service charges collected must be accounted for at the end of each financial year. These accounts should clearly breakdown the service charges collected from all the leaseholders (total) and then all the expenditure during the year (often broken down into categories). Ideally the figures should be very close.
Review the management fee in isolation, and question if you are getting value for money based on the facilities you have that need management (lifts, gardens, staff, H&S, Energy Plant etc).

Good luck.