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Members of the House of Lords have called for the law commission to simplify leasehold law. Baroness, Lady Butler-Sloss and Baroness Williams urged the Conservative Minister, Baroness Hanham to consider the Government’s position during a Parliamentary debate on consolidating all landlord and tenant legislation. Baroness Hanham admitted that, “... leasehold law in particular can be complex and people find it difficult to understand” but refused to commit to a Law Commission consultation. The Federation of

It is easy to moan about how much your managing agent is charging, but have you considered what your service charge goes towards? There is a myth to dispel here: a service charge is not the amount you are paying your managing agent to look after your development. Their fee, a part of the service charge, is normally a few hundred pounds per flat per annum. The bulk of the annual service charge pays for the upkeep of the communal areas and services at your property. So why does it cost so much to live i

Award winning chartered surveyors Caxtons, one of the largest property practices in the South East, launched a fresh corporate image for the New Year and in addition, appointed a new Chairman. The company, founded in 1990, and with offices throughout the region, has spent the past six months refreshing its traditional image. This more modern, brighter image echoes the changing face of the company and its fresh, new outlook, according to Marketing Director David Gurton. Despite the difficult economic

At the recent Leasehold Forum Conference, James Wyatt, Head of Valuation at John D Wood was forthright in giving a personal view that the basis on which deferment rates were set in the leading Sportelli decision is incorrect and that there is no reason to assume continual upward growth in the property market. He explained that when property prices are analysed over a longer period, rather than from 1952 which is the date traditionally used, it is clear to see that prices do fall. Whilst a departure from t

A new fund is being launched to help leaseholders, (particularly those who may be vulnerable and/or elderly), afford legal assistance to advise them on matters such as the LVT process, escalating service charges and exit fees.  Called LKPaid, the fund is the brainchild of Melissa Briggs who rose to prominence for her campaigning work leading CarlEX and its demands for leasehold reform.  "Having exposed malpractice in the property management industry over the past few years, I set up the Leasehold Knowledg

Congratulations to the winners of the PMAs 2011-12 Prize Draw!   Zoe Harris won the 5-STAR AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon tea at one of London's top hotels is a luxurious and extravagant affair. It is not just tea and cake, but a lavish setting with exquisite service and the finest china, often accompanied by live music. Traditional afternoon tea – an absolute delight! Location: London                   Richard Vause won the RALLY DRIVING THRILL AT SILVERSTONE

BLOCK INSURE NEWS ON THE BLOCK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2011-12 WINNERS ANNOUNCED       The list of Finalists and winners are:   London Property Management Company of the Year sponsored by Deverell Smith Recruitment       Finalists Crabtree Property Management; Granville & Company; London Residential Management;  Trust Property Management; Rendall & Rittner; HML Shaw; Farrar Property Management   Highly Commended Granville & Company; Rendall & Rittner; Farrar Property Mana

BLOCK INSURE NEWS ON THE BLOCK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2011-12   The Finalists are:   London Property Management Company of the Year sponsored by Deverell Smith Recruitment     Crabtree PM Limited; Granville & Company; London Residential Management;  Trust Property Management; Rendall & Rittner; HML Shaw; Farrar Property Management   Regional Property Management Company of the Yearsponsored by Deacon         Essex Properties, Premier Estates; Warwick Estates Property Ma

Your essential guide to block insurance.  Britains best insurance brokers offer some advice in our comprehensive pull out and keep supplement about the blocks of flats insurance market.  Some of this features articles include:  Getting the best from your insurance broker  How to deal with claims effectively  8 ways to spot under insurance in your blocks of flats  Subscribers, log in to view your digitial copy.  Or click here to download the pdf

Under Section 20b of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 the leaseholder is protected from being asked to pay towards costs incurred more than 18 months ago. Normally the lease will provide for the service charge to be demanded in advance, but occasions will arise when the demands are issued after completion of the works or provision of the service. In these cases a statutory time limit applies: the landlord must issue the demand within 18 months of his incurring the cost. If the demand is provided later

Brethertons solicitors, has undertaken the task of looking at the property management industry in detail to provide a benchmark of statistics that can be used for companies to identify where they sit against their peers. The survey was independently undertaken with a guarantee of confidentiality to reassure participants. The ‘State of the Property Management Nation’ survey was undertaken for the first time this summer by a team of 5 independent researchers to gain a better understanding of how the indus

Taking time off work, to let in a tradesman or receive a home delivery is often a problem for many busy apartment residents. Now, WaitingIn, offers busy professionals a convenient way to manage their more inconvenient domestic appointments. Alan Harding, a consultant from Notting Hill, said, “We needed a plumber fast, but my wife and I both work full time and it was impossible to take time off. We booked a WaitingIn sitter, and were very impressed. This is a fantastic service that offers peace of mind,