News On The Block May 2003

The following are a selection of the questions we have received from apartment residents needing advice from our specialist panel. We have edited the questions where necessary. If you have an issue related to apartment living, please write to:

While we cannot answer each individual piece of correspondence personally, we will do our best to answer the most interesting questions on the Postbox page.

Are Sellers Packs still to be Law?
Charles Montague, by e-mail

Yes, it looks like it. The Draft Housing Bill was published on 31/3/03. The correct description is Home Information Pack. There is a consultation process at present but there are lots of problems to overcome. Consultation ends on 9th June. One thing looks certain – it will add to the cost of moving. We shall return to this topic in due course with an article.
Desmond Taylor

We have a problem with cars parked in our forecourt. We use a clamping service but I read something about needing a licence now to clamp cars. Is this correct?
Julian Peter, by e-mail

Yes. The government is now regulating the clamping industry through the Security Industry Authority. Security licensing will not start until 2004 and any clamping firm you use will need a S.I.A. Licence. This will be compulsory. You need to register now with the Security Industry Authority as a person which uses wheel clamping services. That will ensure you are informed at the appropriate time what you need to do. To register call 08702 430 100 or go to www.the-sia.org.uk/register. This is quite a “hot” topic now. We may make it the subject of a special article.
Desmond Taylor.

I am plagued by loud music from the flat above. Kind requests are ignored. Can I do anything about it?
Rebecca Solomon, by e-mail

Probably, yes. We had an article in our previous issue. If you do not have a copy, please call our office who will be happy to supply you with a back issue.

I believe there are new conditions covering whether NHBC Certificates are issued on new blocks of flats. Are these in force and what are they?
Barbara Cortez, by e-mail

From 1st April 2003 the Council of Mortgage lenders will not let solicitors part with mortgage funds if the property has not passed a pre-handover Satisfactory Final Warranty Inspection by NHBC. The object is to avoid dissatisfied new homebuyers finding lots of snag after they have purchased.
Erika Laffan, Property Manager.