A number of flats in our block are buy-to-lets. Some of the sub-tenants in these flats are problematic as they are short-term residents with no vested interest in the building or the community of residents. We would prefer a block of owner-residents. We are about to purchase the freehold, and our question is whether this […]
I would be grateful if you could point me towards where I can seek advice on the right to manage by leaseholders of a property who are unhappy with present managing agents and the procedure for questioning the service charge? The FPRA replies: For details of challenging service charges, I can do no better than […]
A gardener recently broke a resident’s window when a stone flew out from the strimmer he was using. The gardener is employed by a contractor who is contracted to maintain our gardens, and is employed by the management company. Question: who is liable for the damage to the resident’s window? That is to say, whose […]
An officer from the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority arrived unannounced at a neighbouring Victorian mansion block of flats and issued a notice requiring emergency lighting, a smoke/fire alarm system, signage and fire doors be fitted within 3 months with the threat of prosecution if the works are not done. We are petrified they […]
Would a small residents’ association be wise to insure against any possible risks, and what are those possible risks? The FPRA replies: As your association does not manage your block or own the freehold, your activities are relatively limited, and therefore your need for insurance is fairly limited. There are two main types of insurance […]
As a director of our freehold company, I thought it would be wise to arrange Directors and Officers liability insurance. Yet when I asked our insurance broker, they said it was an unnecessary expense. What is your view on the desirability of D&O insurance The FPRA replies: It amazes me sometimes at the inept advice […]
Do you have guidance on preparing a fire safety plan? Do you have guidance on preparing a fire safety plan for our block of flats, and/or suggest where I can get an example of one? The FPRA replies: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the legal obligations for fire safety planning. It […]
We run a block of flats. We have had contradictory information and advice on what safety/hazard signs we should be displaying inside the building and in the parking area. The local fire authority prefers the minimum, in order that those on display make an impact. But a risk assessment company suggests we should have yet […]
I am writing regarding CCTV in our large block of 120 flats in Brighton. There are three issues: 1: We – that’s the freehold company – have CCTV installed at the entrance/ lobby area of our block of flats. Do we need to have a specific policy for this and do we need to display […]
We have a problem with damp in one of the ground floor flats. This is in the kitchen which is enclosed without windows at the end of the building right against the gable end wall. The kitchen along one wall is below ground level to a height of between 5 and 6 feet, and a builder […]
