Q: You have been most helpful in the past in interpreting our lease and we are writing now to ask for clarification of a point which may be of equal interest to other Residents’ Companies or Associations. Our query relates to a Lessee’s ability to sub-let an apartment. In reality, approximately a quarter of our […]
Q: We are seeking some guidance / legal advice regarding short term lets in our building. We think (and hope) that they are in contravention of the lease and we are looking at how to proceed with preventing the ones that are being let. We do have a number of lets on ASTs which we […]
Q: As “responsible” people the directors carried out the Fire Risk Assessment, updated every year. One of our directors suggested that we should get it externally reviewed. FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: A: Fire Risk Assessment, as you can appreciate, is keeping the FPRA busy advising members since the tragedy in London this year. […]
Q: It has come to our attention that managing agents are in the habit of recommending to solicitors that sellers pay a ‘retention fee’ to the buyer to cover any shortfall in service charge. This circumstance could exist that due to the timing of this sale, there is a possibility that the current financial year […]
Q: Our block is built bordering the River Thames alongside two pubs and we have two entrance gates, one manual the other automated. Some years ago we engaged a private company to clamp unauthorised parking in our car park area and notices were put up to that effect. It seemed to dissuade the unwelcome practice. […]
Q: The management company of our two blocks are currently obtaining estimates for internal redecoration work (Section 20), which has meant various contractors visiting the site, some of whom we believe may not yet be on the management company’s approved contractor list. There is no caretaker or security personnel on our sites and the contractors […]
Q: Our block of 8 flats was built in 1968 and as in many older blocks I am sure there are now discrepancies in which flat has updated their consumer units/fuse boxes and who hasn’t! In the light of the Grenfell disaster where (I believe) one appliance from one flat caused the destruction of the […]
Q: Is our management company legally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report prepared for the electrical installations in our communal areas such as car park lights, footpath lights, stairwell lights and power sockets and the associated control equipment? If so, how frequently should the report be made? FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: […]
Q: I am writing to ask for advice about lease conditions in relation to Airbnb. Our leases forbid subletting. Would hiring out a room or a flat by the night or by the week count as subletting? A: FPRA Committee Member Shaun O’Sullivan replies: The letting of a flat for a few days or […]
