Straight answers
If you own a flat in a block we manage, you will have questions from time to time. Some are about service charges, some about repairs, and some about what you can and cannot do to your own home. This page gathers the ones that come up again and again, so you can find an answer without waiting for a reply.
We manage blocks in and around Totnes on behalf of the freeholder or the residents' management company, depending on how each building is set up. That means we handle the day-to-day running: collecting service charges, arranging buildings insurance, booking in contractors, and keeping the communal areas in good order. The lease itself sets out who is responsible for what, and it is the document we work from.
We are a small operation, so you will deal with the same people rather than a call centre. If something needs a decision from the directors of your management company, we will tell you when we have asked them and when we expect an answer. If a job needs a specialist, we will say so and explain what the options are, including the likely cost.
Common questions cover service charge breakdowns, major works, subletting, pets, parking and how to report a repair. Some answers depend on the wording of your individual lease, so where that is the case, we say so plainly rather than guessing. You can always ask us to check your lease and come back to you.
If your question is not here, get in touch and we will answer it directly. There is no charge for asking, and we would rather you asked early than worried about something quietly for months.
Before you ask
It covers the shared costs of running your building: buildings insurance, cleaning and gardening of communal areas, repairs to the structure and shared parts, lighting, fire safety checks, and our management fee. Your lease lists what can be charged, and we can send a breakdown.
You get a budget for the year ahead before it starts, and a statement of actual spending once the year has ended. If your lease requires an audited account, we arrange that too. Statements are sent to the address we hold for you.
It depends on your lease. Many leases need written consent for subletting, and some restrict pets or require permission. Send us the details and we will check the wording and tell you what is needed before you commit to anything.
Contact us with the location and a short description, and a photo if you can. We will tell you whether it is a communal repair or your own responsibility, and give you a timescale. Out-of-hours emergencies, such as a leak or a break-in, go to the emergency number on your statement.
Tell us as soon as you can. We would rather agree a payment plan than send letters. If arrears continue, the lease allows recovery action, which adds costs, so getting in touch early is always the cheaper route for you.
Often yes, especially for anything affecting the structure, pipes, wiring or external appearance. Alterations can also need freeholder consent under the lease. Ask us first with a short description of the work, and we will confirm what is required.