Large bill from management company

eddddy

LHCalc123 said:

In my experience, all you should need to do is raise an observation within the consultation window with the words used in the OP and you will be removed from the program as your windows won't need to be done. 

Section 20s part 1 aren't usually very specific in my experience. Usually just outline of works planned for block, regardless of if LHs have already done the works on their property. The consultation period is when the details get ironed out.

It would be great for the OP if that worked, but I'm not sure it would be that simple.

The OP might be able to exclude their own windows from the works, because they're newish and in good condition. So that might reduce the total bill from, say, £160k to £150k.

But the OP is probably still responsible for 1/11th of the freeholder's bill for the works on the building.


So the OP's 1/11th of the bill might reduce from £14.5k to £13.5k (which helps a bit) - but the OP might be left with slightly older/worse windows than everyone else.

CleverFable

EssexHebridean said:

Are they by any chance replacing the communal windows and doors with fire rated ones? This will certainly increase the costs to a degree but not to that ludicrous amount. 

Can we ask OP - how many windows/external doors do you have in your own flat, and also, have they given you a schedule of works along with what I presume is currently an estimate of costs? 

As already said - ignore the “told you so” and scaremongering posts that have appeared - sadly there are always a few folk that get their kicks in this way! 

It doesn't say unfortunately, just 'replacement of windows and doors'. 

I have 5 windows, the living room ones are fairly large and that's also got a door to the balcony, then the front door as well. They haven't given a schedule of work yet. 


 eddddy said:

LHCalc123 said:

In my experience, all you should need to do is raise an observation within the consultation window with the words used in the OP and you will be removed from the program as your windows won't need to be done. 

Section 20s part 1 aren't usually very specific in my experience. Usually just outline of works planned for block, regardless of if LHs have already done the works on their property. The consultation period is when the details get ironed out.

It would be great for the OP if that worked, but I'm not sure it would be that simple.

The OP might be able to exclude their own windows from the works, because they're newish and in good condition. So that might reduce the total bill from, say, £160k to £150k.

But the OP is probably still responsible for 1/11th of the freeholder's bill for the works on the building.


So the OP's 1/11th of the bill might reduce from £14.5k to £13.5k (which helps a bit) - but the OP might be left with slightly older/worse windows than everyone else.

My windows are 18 months old and in very good condition as I religiously clean them and look after them, they cost me a lot (but still no way near £14,000!) 
I also have proof where they have previously stated that I would only be responsible for paying for works that affected my property so I shouldn't have to pay for other's windows either. 

I am more than happy to contribute to the communal windows. 

As I stated in my opening post I am also moving so whilst this bill may not eventually fall to me, depending on when the work is done, I am worried about it affecting the sale as no one wants to move in with that sort of bill hanging over their head!

I have passed all the info on to my solicitor so I'm hoping they can help too. There is also another flat that has replaced their windows recently too and they're also very unhappy with this situation so i'm working with them as well. 

It's just a nightmare when the sale was going through so smoothly!

CleverFable

Also (just remembered) after Grenfell all the external doors were replaced with fire doors

Bowiefan

CleverFable said:

Well yes of course, and I have included these. The website is just an extra to back this up.

Hi Cleverfable  
I think my daughter might be in the exact same position as yourself. She has an apartment in Radcliffe (not sure if this is where you are?) but same letter, same company.  We are going to challenge this as my daughter has only owned the property since august - so this seems outrageously high and totally unfair on those who have already forked out for new windows and doors. 

If you’re interested in joining forces, just let me know.  

Many thanks and good luck! 

coypondboy

coypondboy said:

never buy a leasehold flat as managing agts can charge what they want and if you do not pay can take your flat and you lose all the money tied up in it through the forfeiture of lease rules.  The new fire safety regulations which came in last year will double most service charges over the coming years.

one example in the guardian of managing agts not passing on the heating rebates in communal heating systems to individual leaseholders so service charges up 200-700%, fire doors now need to be checked every 3 mths with managing agts charging 80 quid per door. The new fire safety regulations to meet PAS9980 will likely lead to a large increase in existing service charges as will heating bills and electricity bills for communal areas from 1st April.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/jan/16/energy-bills-british-flat-dwellers-with-communal-heating-could-sue-operators