As managing agent, Jennings and Barrett was instructed by the Residents Association to manage the work. They quickly got the process underway to inform leaseholders of the proposals, raise funds, and invite tenders for the work. Using their in-house RICS surveyor, John Shine, a specification for the works was soon drawn up.

To minimise disruption to residents and to make funding easier on lessees, one block was completed per year, with a period of six weeks required per block. Within three years, the whole estate had a revamped look and all residents felt the revitalising effects in their day-to-day life

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.

Completed the following emergency renovations works after completing a condition report :
Emergency telephones in 6 of the lifts were not working. Three of them were not working because there were no active telephone lines.
Several communal doors needed repairs in order to comply with fire regulations. Doors not closing properly, fire intumescent strips.
Door entry systems were not working. There were at least 20 issues with the door entry systems.
A small leak from one of the apartments into the Under croft car park which existed for over 9 months.
Lots of issues with lights not working or staying on all the time.
Even though we are appointed by the Landlord, we are engaging with the residents to identify their priorities and explain to them what we are doing on the development. The response from the residents has been very positive. We are collaborating to bring the development back up to the standard expected.