Question 1

Charging for Info

Accepted Answer

Q: We manage the communal areas for the 14 houses included in the association. Over the years we have had several houses change ownership and are asked various questions by solicitors involved in the sales. We have always answered the questions and furnished relevant paperwork where required free of charge. But on the latest occasion, in addition to the normal questions, for the first time we have been asked to supply a copy of our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Is this a “normal” request, and as the Articles are some 16 pages, should we be charging for this information, and if so, how much? FPRA Committee Member Colin Cohen replies: They are entitled to this information, although, in the case of the Memorandum and Articles, these can usually be downloaded from Companies House free. However, I would certainly suggest you do charge them a fee for any management information for a conveyance, which certainly is not unreasonable. The amount to be charged obviously is discretionary. If a manager is appointed, as a business then they will charge more, either a set minimum amount for the time and costs or by a set fee, but a residents’ company may want to charge just a nominal fee. [Submitted September 2016]

Question 2

Charging for Info

Accepted Answer

Q: We manage the communal areas for the 14 houses included in the association. Over the years we have had several houses change ownership and are asked various questions by solicitors involved in the sales. We have always answered the questions and furnished relevant paperwork where required free of charge. But on the latest occasion, in addition to the normal questions, for the first time we have been asked to supply a copy of our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Is this a “normal” request, and as the Articles are some 16 pages, should we be charging for this information, and if so, how much? FPRA Committee Member Colin Cohen replies: They are entitled to this information, although, in the case of the Memorandum and Articles, these can usually be downloaded from Companies House free. However, I would certainly suggest you do charge them a fee for any management information for a conveyance, which certainly is not unreasonable. The amount to be charged obviously is discretionary. If a manager is appointed, as a business then they will charge more, either a set minimum amount for the time and costs or by a set fee, but a residents’ company may want to charge just a nominal fee. [Submitted September 2016]

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