Overview

Maintaining the common parts of a building containing flats is a skilled task.  There are many different parts of a building containing flats including windows, roofs, stairwells, , basements, plant rooms, car parks and sometimes even sports facilities.  To maintain these common parts effectively there needs to be a maintenance plan and regular professional visits from the appropriate contractor, properly supervised.

In this section, you will find out all about the maintenance issues in flats, the legal liabilities you face and how to minimise them.  If you have more questions, require further clarification, or want to suggest an article don't forget to contact us, comment on an article or leave a comment in our forum.

Abandoning the communal heating system

Communal heating systems are very common within older blocks and it is inevitable that at some point the Residents Association will consider abandoning the system in favour of installing independent boilers and heating systems to each flat.Whilst the idea of each resident having their own heating system is desirable for all sorts of reasons, making it happen is not as straight forward as you would imagine, so in order to save you time and money on consultants and surveys let us first look at the practical issues.

How to keep your block rodent free

Dr. David channon explains why winter is the busiest period for rodent control. As we all shiver and long for the warmth of our comfy houses whilst commuting to work in the freezing weather, rodents share our sentiments and are also looking for cosy hideouts during the cold snaps.

How far have costs been cut in your block?

As we are all aware, this has been the worst recession recorded in this country since records began and in general it has been a hard year for the majority of people. Some industries have felt it harder than others and that seems to be the case in the cleaning industry with some specialist services frozen, the frequency of cleaning services changed and contracts lost as blocks do not have the resources to pay for any contract cleaning.

How clean are the floors in your block and how do you keep them looking good?

They catch your eye as soon as you enter your block, even more so the dirty marks that seem never to go away! The weekly cleaning of the block addresses the norm, but over time the floors start to look dirty.

Rats in Flats

As “rat season” approaches, Dr. David Channon who has researched and monitored rat behaviour for over 23 years, explains why blocks of flats should take appropriate measures. Recent press reports of the UK rat population exceeding the human population are likely to be gross over-estimates. More reliable estimates centre on the figure of about 25 million.

How mediation provides an alternative way to resolve disputes in a block of flats

Residents at loggerheads with their landlord or managing agent? Residents falling out with each other? Familiar story? robert gordon-james explains how mediation can help. One of the key ingredients for harmony in a residential development is to ensure that everyone gets on. It follows therefore that harmony among residents, will improve the chances of establishing a successful relationship with their managing agent.

Property Maintenance - A lot more than just vacuuming and dusting

Martin Sales considers what your cleaning Company does for you and how you ensure that you select the right cleaning company. Does it look like the cleaners only ever vacuum and dust the stairways in your apartment block? It may well do, but look a little deeper and you may discover a whole lot more. Start at the front door, is it clean? The dirty finger marks from last week have gone, and the entrance steps are clean.

How to plan for major works in your block of flats

Peter Merriman discusses planning ahead. When advising our clients of their budgeting needs it is sensible to anticipate what major works may be required beyond the next 12 months This allows a reserve or sinking fund to be maintained at levels that avoid significant fluctuations in charges payable when works are due.

Q&A - Digital TV in your block

Our managing agent suggested replacing our TV aerial system to make sure that we were able to receive digital TV. A survey, cost around £1600 . I bought a reasonably priced digital receiver and connected it to the existing analogue aerial supply.  Surprisingly all channels were received with a good signal. We did not need to replace any component of our existing system, but when it is due for replacement we will be able to buy the latest technology available. Perhaps you could suggest this approach to your readership.

The consequences of pigeon infestation

Saulius Mitrikas discusses the consequences of pigeon infestation. Feral pigeons are the part of the ecology of city life but their predators (Peregrine falcons) are few. Their numbers depend on food resources, breeding speed, living space and predation. Buildings with lots of shelter and nesting ledges, people feeding pigeons in the streets, a warm climate and absence of natural predators leads to an increasing population.

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Has Health and Safety in flats gone mad?

4site consulting explains the importance of health and safety. It is not surprising that we question the sanity of Health & Safety when it seems to impinge on activities we all enjoy by enforcing what appears to be unreasonable and bureaucratic restrictions.

The Danger of Lease Extensions outside the act

Although tempting for some, Jo Rengger  highlights the risks parties take. Negotiating an 'arms length' lease outside the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 (the "Act") might initially appear a cheaper, quicker option but there are potential pitfalls. Parties ultimately have to make a pragmatic decision on global costs but should always consider the following:

Departure from Sportelli as Deferment Rates hiked

A landmark Tribunal decision about a Birmingham block. Just as we thought it was safe that deferment rates were fixed, a coach and horses has come crashing through the door. The story so far: in Sportelli the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) set the rates at 5% for flats and 4.75% for houses.

NOTB Podcast with Siobhan McGrath, Leasehold Valuation Tribunal

In this podcast Nicolas Shulman meets with Siobhan McGrath, Senior President of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal

The recent Hosebay Case

The recent case of Hosebay Limited v Hugo Benjamin Day and Lady Hilary Maureen Greenslade Day (2009) is the latest judicial offering on the thorny issue of what constitutes house under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (the Act).

Abandoning the communal heating system

Communal heating systems are very common within older blocks and it is inevitable that at some point the Residents Association will consider abandoning the system in favour of installing independent boilers and heating systems to each flat.Whilst the idea of each resident having their own heating system is desirable for all sorts of reasons, making it happen is not as straight forward as you would imagine, so in order to save you time and money on consultants and surveys let us first look at the practical issues.

One Park West in Liverpool

Over the past 10 years it has become a cliché for residential developers to hire famous architects. And in Liverpool Grosvenor didn't spare a penny by hiring international architect Cesar Pelli (famous for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur) to design their landmark city centre block, One Park West.

Peverel OM Relaunch

Leading national property management company Peverel OM has relaunched as OM Property Management. Andrew Billson, Managing Director of Operations at OM Property Management, comments:

Leader of the Pack - NOTB Interview with Melissa Briggs of CARLEX

As membership of pressure group CARLEX swells, News on the Block interviews co-founder Melissa Briggs, about the Campaign for the Abolishment of Retirement Leasehold Exploitation.

How to keep your block rodent free

Dr. David channon explains why winter is the busiest period for rodent control. As we all shiver and long for the warmth of our comfy houses whilst commuting to work in the freezing weather, rodents share our sentiments and are also looking for cosy hideouts during the cold snaps.