Property Management Companies....

hotrod21

Hi, Im new to this, so firstly my apologies if there if a thread already lurking around on here. My boyfriend and I have bought our first flat, it is managed by a company called Solitaire. We get bills twice yearly for approx £700 each time. The previous owners told us they used to contest the amount and get a reduction, but we don't know how they did this. Unfortunately the people in the other 3 flats are also new to the property, so are unable to help (plus two of them are tenants, not owners). Does anyone have any help or tips on this? Many thanks!

chappers

What are the bills for they should be itemised for say cleaning communal areas lighting in those areas and maitenance to the building that should be itemised. If they can't justify why the bills are that much then contest them.eg if they try to charge you £300 ayear for cleaning and the place never gets cleaned then have them up on this.

Think these are the boys check out the FAQ sections
http://www.solitairegroup.com/index.asp

thebyp

Hi, did you get anywhere with this? I seem to be fighting a running battle with these guys at the moment

tbs624

Have a look here: http://www.lease-advice.org/scgrframe.htm

mandi1

Hi, i own a property with solitair as our management company.For the last 8 years i have contested my bill. I have now got to the stage where i have to ask, write and telephone for an itemised bill. My bills just state variable rent charges. I am now at the stage where i deduct any monies i think unfaire and if i am doing work myself that they are supposed to do i charge them for my time and all sundries. We are now at the stage where i have deducted over £600 and the wall and overgrowing ivy i have been complaining abour has colasped. To my amazement i have just recieved a reply from then (this is unheard of). This demands the payment which i have told them i will not pay. I also keep all dates of communication on my side all bils and copy everything to their solicitors.
They are impossible to deal with, they will eventualy send you aprint out of your bill, staing nothin realy. You will not recieve "bills" from them. They never reply to emails, telephone calls(their secretaries shield the managers) or letters. I also charge for my time in writing and postage ,telephone calls.
I did recieve a letter from their solicitors last year with a £70 charge. This i have never paid and never will. Their solicitors recieve all my communication and i think now realise what a nightmare they are. I have had a new manager for 2 years. I hace telephoned her ,writen ,emailed and to date have never had a reply. I am starting to wonder if she is a figment of their imagination.
I have just recieves another half yearly bill stating variable rent charges and once again going through the usual proccess.
There are laws in this country, you are paying for a service, if they are not providing this service you dont have to pay.

Good luck you are going to need it.