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As a property manager you need to act fast because Mr Smith is angry, and quite rightly so, but you need to determine some facts because although graffiti is, in most people’s opinion, unsightly and an act of vandalism, some tags as they are known as, need to be removed quicker than others. You need to find out if the tag is in a prominent area where most people will see it, does it contain swear words, is it a racist comment or slogan, is it aimed at a particular person or community – if the answer is ye

The starting point is the case of Cadogan v Morris [1996] 4 All ER 643 a Court of Appeal decision in which it was held that simply putting forward a nominal figure (such as a pound) which could not represent adequate compensation in the particular case would invalidate the notice. Following Morris tenants have been advised (no doubt correctly) to obtain valuation advice in order to ensure that they put forward a ‘reasonable offer figure.’ This point was considered further in 9 Cornwall Crescent (London)

How can insurance provisions be challenged? Where the lease provides for inadequate or often no provision for insurance, Lease Variations should be considered (either by consent of all parties or by making an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal).    With regards to landlords receiving often excessive commissions from insurers, where this is the case, it is often hard to challenge these although evidence can be used to show that the landlord is not negotiating the insurance premiums at arms le

Just when I’m about to drown in the sea of petty troubles of Seagull Towers, I see a lifeboat on the horizon. Managing agents! At last we’ve had our AGM and the choice of agent has been unanimously endorsed by all the residents. My fellow director, Jim Austin, did not resign, and Brian Thorogood, ex-director, ex-company secretary, ex-treasurer, serial resigner and prophet of doom, said nothing in opposition – despite the times in the last six months when Jim has told me anxiously ‘Brian says you’re going

Q Dear Sir As residents of Kings Court we unanimously agreed to self manage. Regrettably our landlord is also our managing agent. Having informed him of our decision he is refusing to hand over paperwork relating to the ongoing management of Kings Court, and funds held in our name. What pressure can we bring that will encourage him to forward the documents? Can we report him to the FSA regarding funds? The secretary, Kings Court A I assume the reference to self-manage is actually to the right to manage

Mr Wood and a number of his fellow leaseholders applied to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) for a determination of their service charge liabilities for the years 2004 – 2007. The extent of the challenge was described as “request fully detailed itemised dated of each charge on list (this had not been forthcoming), assess what should be covered by buildings insurances, establish which work actually carried out, and by whom. Proof of what has been paid to whom.” A list of disputed items was also attach

According to expert solicitors Eversheds, the report will deal another blow to the buy-to-let market, as the proposed new regulations, which could be implemented in 2009, are set to add administrative burden and higher costs for landlords. Under the proposed reform, all landlords will be required to join either accreditation schemes or professional associations – or use lettings agents. This is intended to offer greater protection for tenants who will be able to complain against their landlord to the rele

As the weeks roll by I see more and more why all residential managing agents end up the same. The amount of abuse and vitriol that comes from the keyboard and telephone receiver you would not believe. People shout, rant and rave and generally it is something else in their life that has triggered it! It takes a conscious effort everyday to remember why I moved Chainbow in to residential management and it takes huge motivation to protect and focus my teams. Do I regret the move? No, not at all and each

What is the Right to Manage (RTM)? Right to Manage (RTM) is a no-fault procedure provided by statute enabling falt owners (leaseholders) to take over the management of their building. Right to Manage (RTM) became law under the terms of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act (CARLA 2002). The Right to Manage (RTM) reform was introduced because of the need for an alternative management option for leaseholders. Additionally, Right to Manage (RTM) can be achieved legally months sooner than collective enf

DISILLUSIONED first time buyers affected by the credit crunch are having doors opened to them thanks to a new nationwide scheme. Jordan's, a long established letting agency in the North West, is launching Rent- 2-Buy, a scheme for first time buyers, allowing them to rent a property first and then giving them the right to buy at a discount. Under the new scheme, buyers rent a property for a set time and then agree to purchase it at open market value. Half the rent they have paid is then rebated as a reduc

Chainbow has announced it recently joined the Association of Residential Managing Agents, an organisation dedicated to matters relating to the management of residential leasehold blocks of flats. The membership illustrates how Chainbow is keen to play an active role in helping to improve the relationships between lessees, resident management companies and investor freeholders. Chainbow founder and chairman Roger Southam comments: ”Chainbow has been operating in property for 19 years and dedicated to resid

Adiuvo, (pronounced ADD-EE-OO-VO by the way) managed to persuade several property managers and various contractors to give up their Sunday in order to celebrate their official launch at Brands Hatch. Adiuvo, the specialist Out of Hours Service for the property sector, is sponsoring a classic Formula Three car this season and invited clients and guests to watch the car perform along with many other classic races during a somewhat food and drink filled day. The sun shone brightly on the day’s proceedings an