Property factors - invoices for communal expenses

Sonny_1980

Hi,

We (property owners) receive the invoice from the property factors with all the expenses: communal electricity, cleaning, their management fee, etc.

However, they never provide/show us the invoice from the electricity supplier, the cleaning company, building insurance, etc. Basically, we pay the amount they send us on their invoice and it seems like we just have to believe the amount they say is correct...

They might be being honest but what makes me a bit suspicious is that they don't seem to care at all when they get reports of some neighbours causing nuisance with things that are stated on the deed of conditions as not being allowed in the estate. But when it comes to works that are carried out, and obviously paid by the owners, even if we push back because we feel they are still not required and are an unnecessary expense, then they use the deed of conditions card, like those works need to be carried out every 3-4 years as stated on the deed of conditions... However, and again, they just say which quotes they received, the one that was selected and how much we have to pay, without showing us any quotes and the invoice.

Does anybody know if in Scotland the property factors are supposed to show the property owners the invoices for each expense?

user1977

There's no rule that they're meant to send you copies of all the invoices without you even asking. Have you tried asking?

Sonny_1980

user1977 said:

There's no rule that they're meant to send you copies of all the invoices without you even asking. Have you tried asking?

Yes, they just ignore the requests. Hence why I'm trying to understand what are they obliged to, legally speaking.

user1977

The code of conduct is here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/property-factors-scotland-act-2011-code-conduct-property-factors-2/

Nothing specific I can see about providing copies of invoices, but they are meant to respond to enquiries rather than just ignore you.

daveyjp

No requirement to send invoices, but:

3.4 A property factor must provide to homeowners, in writing at least once a year (whether as part of billing arrangements or otherwise), a detailed financial statement showing a breakdown of charges made and a detailed description of the activities and works carried out which are charged for.