Q: As “responsible” people the directors carried out the Fire Risk Assessment, updated every year. One of our directors suggested that we should get it externally reviewed. FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: A: Fire Risk Assessment, as you can appreciate, is keeping the FPRA busy advising members since the tragedy in London this year. […]
Q: It has come to our attention that managing agents are in the habit of recommending to solicitors that sellers pay a ‘retention fee’ to the buyer to cover any shortfall in service charge. This circumstance could exist that due to the timing of this sale, there is a possibility that the current financial year […]
Q: Our block is built bordering the River Thames alongside two pubs and we have two entrance gates, one manual the other automated. Some years ago we engaged a private company to clamp unauthorised parking in our car park area and notices were put up to that effect. It seemed to dissuade the unwelcome practice. […]
Q: The management company of our two blocks are currently obtaining estimates for internal redecoration work (Section 20), which has meant various contractors visiting the site, some of whom we believe may not yet be on the management company’s approved contractor list. There is no caretaker or security personnel on our sites and the contractors […]
Q: Our block of 8 flats was built in 1968 and as in many older blocks I am sure there are now discrepancies in which flat has updated their consumer units/fuse boxes and who hasn’t! In the light of the Grenfell disaster where (I believe) one appliance from one flat caused the destruction of the […]
Q: Is our management company legally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report prepared for the electrical installations in our communal areas such as car park lights, footpath lights, stairwell lights and power sockets and the associated control equipment? If so, how frequently should the report be made? FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: […]
Q: I am writing to ask for advice about lease conditions in relation to Airbnb. Our leases forbid subletting. Would hiring out a room or a flat by the night or by the week count as subletting? A: FPRA Committee Member Shaun O’Sullivan replies: The letting of a flat for a few days or […]
With the Fitness for Human Habitation Bill making a particularly speedy passage through Parliament, it is likely that it will become an official Act by the end of the year. At this point, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the legislation as it stands and ensure you’re prepared for its arrival. With […]
26 January 2018 To: tpcsecretariat@justice.gsi.gov.uk Tony Allman-Secretary to the Tribunal Procedure Committee 1st Floor Piccadilly Exchange 2 Piccadilly Plaza Manchester M1 4AH Dear Sirs TPC Consultation- on possible changes to the Property Chamber Rules and the Lands Chamber Rules concerning costs in leasehold cases and residential property cases This response to your consultation […]
Dominic Raab MP, Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government House of Commons Westminster SW1A 0AA Dominic.raab.mp@parliament.uk 25 January 2018 Dear Mr Raab Protecting Customers in the Leasehold and Social Housing Market We are extremely concerned that the welcomed news, released from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-unfair-leasehold-practices–2 appears to leave a significant gap […]
