As managing agents, Red Rock was instructed by the residents Management Company to manage the block and assist with the catalouge of building defects left by the developer.

Initially, the leaseholders felt compelled to remedy the defects via a build warranty insurance claim for each block; but the insurance policy had a £1,250 excess per unit and, with not enough money held in reserve, this needed to be paid by every leaseholder before works could commence.

Working with the resident directors, Red Rock mounted a campaign locally, involving Sir Bob Russell, the Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester. The upshot is that Weston Homes have now listened to their customers and agreed to completely remedy the defects, working closely with Red Rock to ensure that expectations are met.

Leaseholders have been spared a bill for the excess of £187,200.

The leaseholders decided that the most effective way forward was to take control of the management from the Landlord, and change agents. Initially, we met with about 9 flat owners and explained the RTM process and and management services. From a Right to Manage perspective, it was a fairly complex set-up. There are 2 blocks on the development and parts of the freehold development had been sold off to other landlords. There remained a shared access way, gardens and shared car park.

Our Legal & Compliance Director worked as a solicitor specialising in property law for 10 years before joining Pembroke PM. She oversees out all our RTM claims and is an expert in Right to Manage legislation. We knew exactly what the RTM Company was entitled to manage within the development. The RTM Claim Notice was carefully drafted and submitted to the Landlord.

The Landlord’s solicitor responded and requested numerous documents relating to the company and the methods we used for serving the notices on non-members. They carried out a thorough examination of the claim. Once they were satisfied with the validity of the claim they acknowledged that the leaseholders had successfully acquired the Right to Manage.

During the 3 month management handover period we sourced new contractors to carry out the maintenance of the building, grounds and services on site. We prepared a budget for approval by the directors. For the first time, the leaseholders gained an understanding of the service charge costs up front, and they could have their queries answered. In the first year of handover, Pembroke PM saved leaseholders £7000 compared to their service charge payments in the previous year.

In the first week of taking over the management, the maintenance contractors attended the site and carried out a deep clean of the communal areas. We carry out block management in Tonbridge for several developments and have a list of approved maintenance contractors who can help. The property manager met with residents on site to further discuss their requirements with regards the property maintenance and management.