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What our customers are asking:

Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?

Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.

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Has the date for implementation of the new rule been announced?

No, but it will be implemented shortly as it is already moving fast in the UK parliament.

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How do I challenge a leasehold service charge?

This is a common question amongst leaseholders who either feel they are being over charged or that they are not receiving value for money form their managing agent. In the first instance they need to write to the managing agent stating their concerns and if a satisfa...

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What is the difference between a Contract Administrator and Project Manager

There is a distinction between Contract Administrator and Project Manager neither of whom can be responsible for the behaviour or conduct of the Contractor themselves.  In short the Contract Administrator is principally concerned with (1) quality of works&n...

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What are the legal tests under the Defective Premises Act?

To succeed in such a claim, a claimant must show in particular that the defects being complained of render the dwelling or building ‘unfit for habitation’.This ‘unfit for habitation’ test is a relatively high hurdle to surmount and the test has not to date ...

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How can we become exempt from a CT600 service estimate corporation tax return?

Since the Self-Assessment for tax legislation was brought in many resident management companies have suddenly been presented with corporation tax returns. Because an SMSU-supported management company or right-to-manage company will be a non-profit making, not trade i...

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What is a Licence to Assign?

A Licence to Assign is in simplist for permission to sell the property in question. Licence to assign is granted by the Freeholder to the current Leaseholder. Where a lease requires a Licence to assign before the lease can be sold it would be a breach of lease to sel...

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why does The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd enforcement a contract for the sale of land?

The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of a contract for the sale of land and the consequences of a breach of contract.In this case, BDW Trading Ltd (the claimant) and South An...

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What does The case of Poynders Court Limited v GLS Property Management Ltd [2012] UKUT 339 (LC) deal?

The case of Poynders Court Limited v GLS Property Management Ltd [2012] UKUT 339 (LC) is a notable legal case that deals with the reasonableness of service charges in leasehold properties and the interpretation and application of relevant lease terms.In this case, Po...

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No freeholder to repair and maintain the communal areas

When there is no freeholder available to repair and maintain the communal areas of a property, it can create challenges for the leaseholders or residents. Here are some possible steps to address this situation:-    Review the lease agreement: Examine t...

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What are the factors or scoring criteria in GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark)?

GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) evaluates the sustainability performance of real estate portfolios and assets based on a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The scoring criteria for GRESB is broken down into two main comp...

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Whether or not the service charges charged thereunder by Charlegrove Securities Ltd were reasonable and conformed with the terms of the lease.

GILJE V CHARLEGROVE SECURITIES LTD (2003)SummaryGilje v Charlegrove Securities Ltd is a case of actual disagreement between a lessee, Mr. Gilje, and a freeholder, Charlegrove Securities Ltd, about service charges. Fundamentally, the issue was whether or not the servi...

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NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are accounted for and not charged excessively.

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management LimitedSummaryNV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are acco...

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Which are the best areas to invest in real estate in Coventry?

Experts recommend investing in Westwood Heath, Earlsdon, Wainbody, Woodlands, Cheylesmor, and Whitmore Park.

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What is the construction of a restrictive covenant imposed on a parcel of residential property and how such a covenant would have affected future development?

Skelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 1139, [2018] 1 WLR 362SummarySkelton v DBS Homes (Kings Hill) is a leading case in the law of property pertaining to the enforcement of restrictive covenants. The judgment by the Court of Appeal was essentially bas...

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Whether certain ground rent increases stipulated in the lease agreements were enforceable

Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd and another (Respondents) v Williams and others (Appellants)SummaryThe case of Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd and another (Respondents) v Williams and others (Appellants) revolves around the interpretation and enforcement of gro...

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What is commonhold? Commonhold for residential blocks of flats explained

Commonhold refers to a type of property ownership that was introduced by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, but not made mandatory. It provides an alternative to leasehold ownership, which is the traditional form of property ownership for residential flats...

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What is Ringley's London office opening times

Office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30a to 5pm on Friday 

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Who is responsible for the cost of remedial works to fire doors under the The Fire Safety Act 2021?

While the inspection cost is a service charge, the responsibility and cost for remedial works lie with the apartment's owner.

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My balcony wall has crumbled away and part fallen down, its been 3 months now and they haven done anything about it, is this something I can claim of my Buildings insurance for ? not likely, sounds like due to disrepair.

In theory you should be threatening the management company with action for breach of covenant and getting them to make the repairs. Best to check your lease 1st to see if it is the freeholder's or management companies responsibility to do the repairs, or whether your...

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What is a Section 21 notice Housing Act 1988?

A section 21 (s21) notice is a written statement from the landlord to the tenant saying they wish to regain vacant possession of the rented property.  Section 21 refers to Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.  It is a no fault route for ending a tenancy.&nbs...

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On decision making - at present the Freehold flats have one vote each in the Freehold company, which may causes a stalemate in the future. However, we don't want the non freeholder director to have the casting vote, as this will give them greater control than the freeholders. So the question is: Can we appoint a non freeholder as an additional director, but limit their vote to only maintenance issues and not issue affecting the interest of the freehold.

YES, you can and you can call up on that person when you need to. Qualified Chartered surveyors such as myself can act as a 'professional Director' the cost is 100 per annum

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What is Wembleys biggest attraction?

Wembley Stadium is the best-known landmark of Wembley Park, where high-profile sporting events and concerts are regularly hosted.

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How have service charges for flats changed over time?

Since 2018, service charges for flats in England and Wales have increased by 51.7 percent. It is the first time the average annual service charge has exceeded 1,000 per year. However, in the past 12 months, the increase has been more modest at 8.0 percent, aligning w...

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What is LVC or Land Value Capture?

Land value capture (LVC) involves capturing the increase in land value caused by public investment, planning decisions, or other factors and using this enhanced value to fund public infrastructure, affordable housing, or other community benefits.

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I am the Company Secretary of the company which owns the freehold of Hillside, a building which comprises 7 flats. All 7 lessees are shareholders in the company. The company is a member of the FPRA. I am the leaseholder of flat 2. We are about to appoint a contractor to carry out the external decoration of the building which is a three story Victorian house. We are unclear whether the Directors have any other responsibilities when appointing a contractor. We have read, for example, about the HSEs CDM regulations. To what extent do they apply in our case? Do you know of any guidelines or can you help us to decide what we need to do to ensure that we comply with them?

The answer on CDM is The CDM Regulations deal with the management of health and safety and they place duties on clients, planning supervisors, designers and contractors to plan, coordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of the construction project...

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What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?

A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.

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What other measures are being taken to enhance animal welfare standards in the UK?

In addition to microchipping reforms, the UK government has introduced new laws to recognise animal sentience, impose tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences, and ban activities such as glue traps and the import of detached shark fins.

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What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a designated workspace where individuals from different professions or organizations work together in a shared environment.

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Are UK house prices and rental price affordability getting worse?

As of 2023, rental prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable for people with an average income in the UK. Fewer homes are available for rent now as compared to a decade ago.

Read by(4)

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:

Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?

Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.

Has the date for implementation of the new rule been announced?

No, but it will be implemented shortly as it is already moving fast in the UK parliament.

How do I challenge a leasehold service charge?

What is the difference between a Contract Administrator and Project Manager

What are the legal tests under the Defective Premises Act?

How can we become exempt from a CT600 service estimate corporation tax return?

What is a Licence to Assign?

why does The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd enforcement a contract for the sale of land?

What does The case of Poynders Court Limited v GLS Property Management Ltd [2012] UKUT 339 (LC) deal?

No freeholder to repair and maintain the communal areas

What are the factors or scoring criteria in GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark)?

Whether or not the service charges charged thereunder by Charlegrove Securities Ltd were reasonable and conformed with the terms of the lease.

NV Buildings (Salford Quays) Management Limited is a case of service charges administration and it shows the role of a management company in giving the tenants enough assurances that their service charges are accounted for and not charged excessively.

Which are the best areas to invest in real estate in Coventry?

Experts recommend investing in Westwood Heath, Earlsdon, Wainbody, Woodlands, Cheylesmor, and Whitmore Park.

What is the construction of a restrictive covenant imposed on a parcel of residential property and how such a covenant would have affected future development?

Whether certain ground rent increases stipulated in the lease agreements were enforceable

What is commonhold? Commonhold for residential blocks of flats explained

What is Ringley's London office opening times

Office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30a to 5pm on Friday 

Who is responsible for the cost of remedial works to fire doors under the The Fire Safety Act 2021?

While the inspection cost is a service charge, the responsibility and cost for remedial works lie with the apartment's owner.

My balcony wall has crumbled away and part fallen down, its been 3 months now and they haven done anything about it, is this something I can claim of my Buildings insurance for ? not likely, sounds like due to disrepair.

What is a Section 21 notice Housing Act 1988?

On decision making - at present the Freehold flats have one vote each in the Freehold company, which may causes a stalemate in the future. However, we don't want the non freeholder director to have the casting vote, as this will give them greater control than the freeholders. So the question is: Can we appoint a non freeholder as an additional director, but limit their vote to only maintenance issues and not issue affecting the interest of the freehold.

YES, you can and you can call up on that person when you need to. Qualified Chartered surveyors such as myself can act as a 'professional Director' the cost is 100 per annum

What is Wembleys biggest attraction?

Wembley Stadium is the best-known landmark of Wembley Park, where high-profile sporting events and concerts are regularly hosted.

How have service charges for flats changed over time?

What is LVC or Land Value Capture?

I am the Company Secretary of the company which owns the freehold of Hillside, a building which comprises 7 flats. All 7 lessees are shareholders in the company. The company is a member of the FPRA. I am the leaseholder of flat 2. We are about to appoint a contractor to carry out the external decoration of the building which is a three story Victorian house. We are unclear whether the Directors have any other responsibilities when appointing a contractor. We have read, for example, about the HSEs CDM regulations. To what extent do they apply in our case? Do you know of any guidelines or can you help us to decide what we need to do to ensure that we comply with them?

What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?

A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.

What other measures are being taken to enhance animal welfare standards in the UK?

What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a designated workspace where individuals from different professions or organizations work together in a shared environment.

Are UK house prices and rental price affordability getting worse?

As of 2023, rental prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable for people with an average income in the UK. Fewer homes are available for rent now as compared to a decade ago.