Leaseholder Consultation meeting 11/02/16
Minutes
Lisa Martinez said she wanted as much advance notice as possible of major works.
Tobi said that a 17K service charge is too much in too short a period of time to pay. Southwark Council allow resident leaseholders to pay their service charges interest free over 3 years but this is not applicable to non resident leaseholders.
When a secure tenant buys their flat the landlord has to predict major works that may be carried out in the next five years. This requirement does not apply when properties are re-sold.
The leaseholder of 73 Meakin estate (name please) asked if it was possible to have an update every six months on in progress works, in development works and work that is briefed.
It was unanimously agreed that what the leaseholders wanted was information on the web site about when the elements of the building structure which Leathemarket JMB is responsible for was last replaced, i.e. such as when the roof was last replaced on Meakin.
Leaseholders present requested that the flow chart distributed is up-dated to the current stage of the major works process. This can be advertised on the web site.
The section 20 notices that Southwark Home Ownership Unit send out (notices of intention and notice of proposal with tender prices and individual service charges) can be dry legal letters which are full of jargon and difficult to understand. Leaseholders require information which is easier to read and to understand written in plain English.
Simon Pearce to write a letter to leaseholders on the Meakin estate with a simple explanation of the works included in Phase 2 of Meakin external works, why they are needed and the timescale involved. This has been done, including posting abroad and passing to managing agents. Another letter has been delivered to publicise the completion of the remaining snagging items by Lakehouse on the Meakin estate and the tender documentation/specification for the district
We talked through the role of the independent consultant. Meakin leaseholder contrasted pro-resident positive David Miles approach, with Blakeney Leigh negativity
When we are informed of a right to buy application we should invite the applicant to a meeting with staff member & leaseholder rep. Potential leaseholders need to understand the implications of major works charges.