Data Protection Q: This is a query about the legality of forwarding or otherwise sending emails that I have received – but in this case from the managing agent to myself as a lessee and shareholder of the company that owns the block of flats – to members of our shareholder interest group if I […]
Home of Multiple Occupation Q: Our property is a four-storey detached Victorian house, divided into four self-contained flats. The basement flat has its own entrance. The three other flats have a common entrance (the original front door of the house) and share the entrance lobby and original staircase to the upper floors. The basement flat […]
Estimated Costs Q: We have received a letter with regard to major works on the building that we were told were to be flooring and decorations to the communal areas of the block. The areas of concern are: 1 They have estimated a cost. My understanding was in a Section 20 the costs could not be estimated, […]
Can We Say No? Q: A resident has asked if he can have a separate satellite dish on his terrace/balcony. The purpose of this is to bypass our main tv/satellite system so that he can receive Sky Q (an add- on service offered by Sky TV) and in effect be independent of the main […]
Insulating the Loft Q: Is the RMC legally responsible for loft insulation in common areas, eg loft of a two-storey block? If the answer is in the affirmative, can the cost be recovered in the Service Charge? Can a Tenant obtain a Government grant for insulating the common-area loft above his premises? Tatsiana Rudzko […]
Data Dilemma This is an issue worrying a number of our members Q (Member 1): As an RMC we hold personal records of the lessees and some suppliers of services. Are we obliged to register with the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) and pay an annual data protection fee based on turnover? I understand that The […]
Electric Vehicle Charging Q: You had a newsletter article on the move to ultra-low emission vehicles and implications for leasehold properties. We have received a number of enquires as to what if anything is being done on our estate to address the issue and at this year’s AGM a decision was taken to, in principle […]
Expensive Balconies Q: The development has been issued with two section 20 notices for the initial phases of the management company’s balcony refurbishment. These are for two separate blocks on the development. Can we apply to the First Tier Tribunal on the grounds that the management company are proposing improvements rather than repairs and are […]
RTM Responsibilities Q: Your publication ‘Running A Block Of Leasehold Flats’ advises Management Companies (that own the freehold). To what degree is the information relevant for RTM Companies? FPRA Director Shula Rich replies: The RTM company steps into the shoes of the freeholder, so all of it is relevant apart from the freeholder’s business responsibilities […]
Self-Closing Fire Doors Q: What liability do we have for instituting fire doors with self-closers and thumb locks as well as smoke alarms in individual flats where all owners are basically owners of the freehold? Our fire risk assessment has asked that those doors should be put in, along with emergency lighting. I have advised people […]
