To ask for your expertise? (Property related)

[summerisalmosthere]

Hi! I'm calling on your expertise because I can't find what I'm looking for online and you are all so knowledgeable!

We've lived in a small estate for 12 years. It's 14/15 years old and originally there was supposed to be a property management company in place.
There are some communal areas of grass.

The management company never took any action and we were never charged anything for all these years.

A few of the neighbours are selling up and have been unable to complete the sale without the management company. So one lady has appointment a management company without discussing this with the other neighbours.

The price isn't extortionate, but the online reviews of this company aren't great.

The lady who appointed them seems to have faith in them. She said they consensus isn't required to appoint a management agency and that we need the communal grounds taken care of, public liability insurance etc. We've done ok for 12 years!

I can't help but feel bulldozed into this. The lady who organised this is moving away soon, so won't need to engage with the company or pay the bill.

Do we have any rights? Are we all bound by this?

Thanks in advance

Speak to a solicitor

Speak with the solicitor what dealt with the purchase of your house.

We have a management company between 4 houses for the maintainence of a shared car park.

It's all bullshit but I do I annual 'accounts' for it and just suck up the £13 charge.

Before I moved in, the previous owner decided to be a dick and charge all neighbours £130 each for the accounts and £160 each for public liability. Until one of the neighbours sued him (and won).

I don't bother with any fees now as the car park can't be accessed by any public and the accounts take me 5 minutes. And so I can't get sued!

There does need to be agreement between the directors of the management company, but it's legally binding on our deeds (as a Covenant) that we are liable for 1/4 of the annual management company costs. But that means if there's an earthquake and the tarmac needs doing, we each HAVE to share the costs.

It doesn't mean one neighbour can charge what they want or demand insurance. Doing that can get you sued.

So, it depends what covenants are written into your title deeds, how many properties benefit from the communal areas, which property inhabitants are registered as directors - etc etc. And what your neighbours are like.

I'd never buy another house with any shared areas ever again.

It seems simple but it'll be complex liability wise, you'll definitely need your solicitors advice for this.

*that dealt with, not what dealt with