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FAQs - Health and Safety : A. Do I need a health and safety survey of my property?
UK law requires that a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk is carried out in all communal areas of residential properties, because they are deemed to be a place of "work". This should cover not only residents, but also visitors, contractors, site staff and property management emplo...
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FAQs - Health and Safety : B. Aren't residents and contractors responsible for their own health and safety?
To a certain extent. They must take reasonable care over their own health and safety, as well as of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions. This does not, however, preclude the requirement for a systematic investigation of risks in the communal areas of residential properties....
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FAQs - Health and Safety : C. How will a survey help?
Our survey will identify the location and nature of risks and associated risk level and recommend remedial action. We can then programme - and schedule - the work needed....
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FAQs - Health and Safety : D. Aren't there more important things to spend money on in the property?
At any property where building, repair or redecoration work is required, priorities have to be aligned with other factors, including funds available. We look at the health and safety report carefully, in particular the risk levels associated with a particular recommendation. For instance, for a risk...
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FAQs - Health and Safety : E. Are contractors vetted or monitored for their Health and Safety standards?
We make it an absolute priority to ensure that all contractors who work on a property comply with all the necessary health and safety standards. All contractors and sub-contractors are stringently vetted to ensure they have the full and correct insurances in place and are fully qualified and equippe...
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FAQs - Health and Safety : F. The issues surrounding asbestos are confusing. What is the law on it?
The dangers of asbestos have been known for some time and UK legislation now includes requirements to manage the risk from asbestos in communal areas of residential properties. This means that those responsible for those areas must make a presumption that materials in them contain asbestos unless th...
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FAQs - Health and Safety : G. Will an asbestos survey mean a lot of expenditure?
This will depend on whether asbestos is found in the communal areas and, if so, what condition it is in and the likelihood of it being disturbed. An asbestos report assesses the risk and then, in line with the new regulations, a plan can be prepared to show how the risk can be managed. The size and ...
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FAQs - Service Charges : A. Why do I pay a service charge?
The service charge covers all the costs of running your development's communal areas, such as cleaning and gardening. Your lease/transfer document specifies these costs and how they're apportioned between individual properties. The service charge is paid into a bank account for your development. Con...
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FAQs - Service Charges : B. How is the service charge calculated?
The Property Manager prepares a budget for the forthcoming financial year which is based on actual expenditure in the previous financial period. This will include designated items such as lift maintenance and gardening. A provision for future major expenditure such as redecoration is also made....
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FAQs - Service Charges : C. How often must I pay the service charge?
This is specified in your lease/transfer document and will usually be quarterly or half-yearly. Invoices are issued in advance of the payment due date....
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FAQs - Service Charges : D. What if I can’t afford the service charge?
You will be in breach of your lease/ transfer. Service charge payments are due in accordance with their terms....
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FAQs - Service Charges : E. Why is my service charge is higher than my neighbour’s?
If your service charge is higher than a neighbour's, it may be because your property is larger. Charges are usually apportioned according to a property's size....
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FAQs - Service Charges : F. Will I know how service charges are being spent?
Accounts will be prepared showing annual expenditure at your development. Property owners can also inspect the invoices that make up the accounts....
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FAQs - Service Charges : G. Why do I pay ground rent?
This is because....... ...
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FAQs - Service Charges : H. I Don't want to pay the service charge, as (x) hasn't been done. How can i make this known?
The payment of service charges is compulsory and you'll need to report to your Property Manager - communication, etc. ...
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