Did anyone watch a 'watchdog' last week? It was about management companies, what flat owners pay them and what services they get. It's really the same old story, there is no regulation, which means no control so some managment companies charge a lot of money but do very little and get away with it!

It's outrageous, isn't? You pay your management company lots of many, but cannot do much if they are not doing what they are paid for. And the legal system does not help by making it too long and expensive to sue the culprits!

The very definition of management is to actually MANAGE.. take control of all that stuff you as an owner don't want to worry about. Usually that is not the case so save the money and do it yourself.

Hi Bradley
I think what IvoLets actually mean, that quite often flat owners don't have a choice. When they bought a flat, management company was already in place and I believe all residents have to make decision to change them, but it is not that easy. In fact many lenders, when accessing mortgage application for share of freehold flats, will only consider an application if there is amangement company in place. So, management by the owner is not always possible.Otherwise you will have to pay them, whether you like it or not.

It is possible for leasehold owners to manage their freehold, but, am sure, there are certain rules before they can take over the management. This is probably another reason why existing management companies (less professional ones, of course) feel they could get away with lots of things.

I am all for proper regulation, but often our lawmakers introduce legislation that only protects one side of the coin. Look what happened with the deposit schemes: yes, it's great news for tenants. However, should the agency fail to properly register the deposit and goes bust, the landlord, who's done note wrong could be sued.

I am agree with imaster reply.

It is awful what some of those companies do or rather fail to do. I simply cannot apprehend how they can set up a company to serve customers, yet their sole agenda seems to be ripping those customers off?!

Hello to all.

The forum is nice effort. Looking forward to contribute to it.

Bye.

Looking forward to your contributions

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