Problem with property management agency

[lfisher30]

Hi this is a very random - cry for advice

I am having huge problems with my management agency in my leasehold flat..

I am paying a lot of money each month and nothing gets done;

Hallway needs decorating

Light bulbs in hallways dont work

I have now threatened legal action

Has anyone ever had any problems?

[sophiesofa]

Is there no way you (and if applicable other leaseholders) can buy the freehold? It's expensive but in the long run worth it because lots of management agencys are useless and money grabbing!

[Jimi]

you could try speaking with these people. Residential Leasehold Tribunal Service. they normally deal with things relating to service charges, but they provide advice and guidance on anything leasehold related.

http://www.rpts.gov.uk/faq/lea.htm

[lucyjessica]

We're in the same position - what agency do you have? We have RMG, who used to be known as Haywards.

[????]

if they're members of ARLA then go and look on their website about standards expected of their members and ways to complain. We got money back via ARLA off a well known Estate agency with a branch on Lordship Lane who are shite and shisters and have been exposed as so on here many a time.

[Siduhe]

Before you go anywhere near the the RPTS, look at this website and/or make an appointment with Lease. They get very busy but really know their stuff and will be able to talk you through what you can do in terms of withholding service charges. This is normally the most effective way to get their attention and works carried out, but it needs to be done very carefully - you can't just stop paying your service charge entirely.

http://www.lease-advice.org/

e.g. http://www.lease-advice.org/information/faqs/faq.asp?item=44

[lfisher30]

Oh they are called Hill Crest - I bought my flat about 2 years ago - and have been trying to get the hallway decorated - but they are useless.... and I pay a lot every month !

[Jimi]

I've used the RPTS in the past and they have been very helpful and helped me get things sorted with my lease management company. The advice is free, so you've got nothing to lose. The trouble is, as i have found, getting anything sorted with lease management companies is a long drawn out process. You have to keep plugging away though, make sure you write letters to follow up phone calls to ensure you have a written diary of events. Eventually things will get sorted. If you have a bad agent, then you can imagein they are getting a lot of complaints from people, in my experience, those who shout loudest get heard.