I Need Advice!!

[pastafreak]

I've recieved a notice from my building management company regarding the awarding of a contract for repair work to be carried out. I only glanced at it when I received it several days ago. Closer inspection...and there is a bill for my share, to be paid by December 16. I have less than the required amount in savings, and paying this would leave me broke. I work only part time in a poorly paid job, and at 72 I'm past being ready to retire. What are my options, if any?

[emmie]

can you go or phone citizens advice bureau?
they are good at this sort of thing,, though i am
sure that you will get advice on here soon.
take care and good luck

[NellieMay]

Have you any credit unions near where you live. They are there to help and very friendly. They will understand your situation.

https://www.creditu.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsumU26qA5gIVwojVCh3TUQKAEAAYASAAEgL0gvD_BwE

[pastafreak]

I'm planning on contacting/visiting Citizens Advice on Monday...and I'll investigate credit unions near me. Thank you both.

[NellieMay]

I hope




They are replacing banks for lots of people in your situation.

[davebro]

My freeholder is a housing trust hived off from the council - any big bills (e.g. double glazing) I have negotiated to spread over affordable monthly payments.

[sunny-dave]

More questions than answers from me, I'm afraid - but the answers may assist an AB legal boffin in offering help.

What does your leasehold (or tenancy) agreement say about bills like this?

Who has agreed to the work? Does it need to be presented to a Management Committee (of leaseholders or tenants) or have the Management Company got carte-blanche to award contracts and then bill tenants/leaseholders?

Do you think the work needs doing?

Is the cost reasonable?

What do other tenants/leaseholders think?

A horrid situation - I hope you can get some help

Dx

[pastafreak]

I can't answer all those questions Dave.
I'd have to dig up my tenancy agreement.
I believe the management company submitted a choice of 3 sometime back. I admit to not feeling qualified to determine the best.
It's to replace the roof on 3 blocks of maisonettes...2 blocks have 16 flats, the third has 8.
The amount involved is £167,00+(eeeek!!)
I hope to speak to some neighbours soon...though the majority rent from private owners.

[emmie]

160k eeek indeed.

[pastafreak]

Hey...it includes VAT...

[NellieMay]

That was meant to say I hope you get sorted. I got interrupted!! From what I have seen and heard credit unions are very welcoming and understanding and really want to help. x

[bednobs]

its not 160k its 16k (not that it makes any difference if you dont have it!)

[bednobs]

ps is there not a sinking fund?

[ladybirder]

If it's £167,500 divided by 40 that's £4,175.00/flat (IF flats all same size). That doesn't seem bad to me, if that is correct? We have a large sinking fund thank goodness I do hope you have.

[davebro]

"its not 160k its 16k (not that it makes any difference if you dont have it!)"

Are you sure? (there is a typo obviously) but £167k for 24 flats is about £6000 per flat.

[davebro]

^^^ yes, what ladyb said ^^^

[Maydup]

If you haven't got it, you haven't got it Pastafreak. There will have to be a payment plan arranged for you, which you can afford. It might be worth asking the management company for a payment plan, before you go to Citizens Advice, that way you know whether or not thats available and on what terms.

[ladybirder]

Dave I've interpreted it as 40 flats (2 blocks have 16 flats, the third has 8) 2 x 16 + 8 = 40?
Pasta they will surely allow you to pay in instalments. Have you asked? You're probably not the only one who finds it difficult to come up with such a sum at short notice, especially just before Christmas. I feel for you. xx

[pastafreak]

It's 40 flats...and yes, £167,000
This is not a prosperous area...so owner occupiers may have more difficulty than those who are landlords.
As for there being a sinking fund, I've not heard of one. They allow for the service charges they collect to cover small repairs plus upkeep such as a maintenance man and gardeners.
We'll see about a payment plan...though the demand for payment in full was big bold and black.
One thing that I noticed...this letter was supposed to include a "Notice of Reasons"...for awarding this contract. There was none.

[Zacs-Master]

£167k to re roof three flats is exorbitant. You must have something in your lease agreement which lets you pay by installmemts.

[davebro]

The lease may be specific to each block in which case there should be 3 separate charges apportioned to the flats in each separate block. Depends on what the lease says.

(I live in a block of 8 but with 2 separate entrances. My lease only refers to the 4 flats sharing my entrance so we are not liable for costs incurred on the other 4 flats.)