Manchester block of lessees- bad management problem

[MCityPeople]

Hi all,

We wondered if anyone might be able to help us in some way.

There is a group of us who are either tenants, owner residents or land lords within a development in Manchester.

Our big problem is our Property Management Company. They charge a fortune and spend next to nothing on Security and Maintenance. Our doors, windows and gates in a very poor state and they just don't care.

We want to sack them but do not know how to proceed in doing this!

Do we need a residents association?
Do we need a Solicitor?
How do we proceed?

Your thoughts, advice or points in the right direction would be a big help!

Thanks.

:)

[mjpl]

I don't have as much experience in this as I need to but can assure you that you will not be stuck for much longer.

Have a look for the ARMA site. This is the main governing body covering block management. They have all sorts of information regarding your question and are very helpful.

The recent commonhold reform will allow all blocks to remove a management company and non-performance does not need to be proven.

Sorry I can not be more helpful.

[dazalock]

If you went to another management company, ask around to see who others use and what they think, the new management company would also certainly know how to sack the old one, be in their interest to do so!

[Poppy]

Possibly the first course of action to take is to exercise your right to manage. The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 provides a right for leaseholders to force the transfer of the landlord's management functions to a special company set up by them - the right to manage company. The right was introduced, not just as a means of wresting control from bad landlords, but also to empower leaseholders, who generally hold the majority of value in the property, to take responsibility for the management of their block. Visit the Leasehold Advisory Service website on www.lease-advice.org

[red40]

No doubt the freeholder has retained at least a third of the properties.

Wouldn't surprise me if the management company was also owned by the freeholder, personally I would be looking at the lease agreements and see exactly what covenants say and what the landlords and your responsibilities are.

Speaking only from experience and reading leaseholder agreements, I am surprised half the solicitors allow people to buy leasehold properties.

There is alot of baggage that comes with leaseholds, get legal advice, appoint a spokesperson and all of you try to use the same solicitor, failing that have a look at the leasehold advisory service and possible speak to them, or even the freeholder if you can find them.