Service Charge Major Works - Dylways

[TSay]

Are there any leaseholders from Dylways on this forum? Specifically leaseholders from street properties on Dylways? As some of you may be aware, major works were carried out last year to these properties involving minimal roof repairs, very superficial brick refacing and unnecessary guttering replacement. Each leaseholder on my block has been charged roughly ?8200 and the total for our block of four is ?32800. Has anyone challenged this charge or had any positive response from the Home Ownership Unit?

These works seem very overpriced compared to the window replacement carried out in 2006. Furthermore, the Home Ownership Unit have stated that they believe the ?7000 charged for scaffolding is accurate and will not not drop on final account. Has anyone else challenged this?

[gpercival78]

I'd swap your charge with mine. Our last estimate was ?24,000 per flat (times 12)...still waiting on final invoice. Note to self, don't buy ex council flat!

[TSay]

It's all extortionate to be honest but the work they have carried out is so minimal that I can't see how they can justify the costs. They quoted ?4500 to apply water proof masonry cream. When I researched the cost of the product and area coverage per 10L the cost for this was revised to ?350 but the overall estimate figure remained the same, as the difference in amount was moved to a different category - "general brickwork repairs."

Is there no way to report the Home Ownership Unit to an external auditor? I think there are huge discrepancies in their figures and this has been my experience over the last eleven years. Yes, I too regret purchasing an ex-council property.

[Mellors]

You can apply to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (previously the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal) for a determination as the your liability for, and reasonableness of, service charges:

More info here:

http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/?doctype=6

[ladyruskin]

Agree with Mellors post re the former LVT. It can be a protracted process but will be reviewed if it's a fair appeal. Best to do it before the works start though.

[TSay]

Unfortunately this has already gone to the First-Tier Tribunal and they ruled in favour of Southwark Council. I am in the process of appealing. Despite numerous lies from the contractor and poor quality brick repairs, which the tribunal panel acknowledged on inspection, the estimate was deemed reasonable. The only course of action I have now is to appeal or apply once again on final account. Southwark Home Ownership Unit is getting away with legalised extortion. Does anyone have links to the media/press, as this problem needs to be highlighted. Something is very wrong and no one seems to care.

[Charles Notice]

Back in July 2013 Channel 4 did a programme called Undercover Boss which featured the Chief Executive of Southwark Eleanor Kelly who went undercover to sort out Southwarks problems. Bit contrived in all departments.

Ask them to make a return visit/programme