Developers Refusal to install security for property

RPF1992

Hi All, 
We currently live in a small development of new build flats in North London. 
Last night we had 4 men break into our underground carpark and stole approximately 7 bikes. Usually this would be just dumb luck that we were targeted, however the big issue here is that we have been complaining to our developers for ages that the security of the property is just not sufficient enough and behold, we were targeted last night, causing several thousands of pounds worth of bikes to disappear. 

I am just wondering if anyone has advice on what we can do to get these security aspects installed, without having to fork out for it ourselves?! I have very valid evidence of their negligence and lack of due care to provide adequate security for the development, including videos and images. Is it likely we'd be able to get the developer to pay for the missing bikes against their insurance? I feel this may be a long, drawn out process...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Billy_B_North

I don’t think that you’ll get the developer to pay anything; they could have installed no security at all had they chosen.
When you bought were there any written promises or statements made regarding security for the parking?

twopenny

When you purchased the property was there a promise of more security? And was it in writing?

Otherwise you signed and agreed to purchase as was at the time. They have no more obligation to you.

What is the 'valid evidence of their negligence'..........if they have been negligent that means they have promised something in the development and not provided it.

greatcrested

So your block of flats is complete and all flats are sold?

It's no longer the 'developer' you need to contact, unless they have breached their contract with you by not installing security that was included in your purchase contracts.

Who now manages the building? Who is the freeholder? Has the freeholder appointed a property management company to manage things? Or do you (flat owners) each own a share of the freehold?

That is who you need to contact. (it is possible of course that the freeholder is the same person/company as the developer, but now wearing a different hat).

If all flat owners/leaseholders in the building request security be installed, the freeholder or MC should consider the request, but be warned - you will be paying for it via your annual service charge, or a one-off charge.

RPF1992

greatcrested said:

So your block of flats is complete and all flats are sold?

It's no longer the 'developer' you need to contact, unless they have breached their contract with you by not installing security that was included in your purchase contracts.

Who now manages the building? Who is the freeholder? Has the freeholder appointed a property management company to manage things? Or do you (flat owners) each own a share of the freehold?

That is who you need to contact. (it is possible of course that the freeholder is the same person/company as the developer, but now wearing a different hat).

If all flat owners/leaseholders in the building request security be installed, the freeholder or MC should consider the request, but be warned - you will be paying for it via your annual service charge, or a one-off charge.

No not all properties have been sold and half is still classed as a building site. 
The developer is still the freeholder. 
They have tried to appoint a management company but have not completed formal proceedings. 
We have been provided with various plans, highlighting that there will be adequate security features installed, that have just been ignored by the developer. 

TELLIT01

Is 'adequate security features' defined anywhere?  If not, they could say that a security light coming on is adequate security.