By Margaret Crosby

Last updated at 12:13, Thursday, 12 April 2012

FLAT dwellers in Whitehaven who have lease agreements with Home Group have banded together in a bid to have their voice heard.

With a whole range of grievances on the agenda, some over the prospect of high bills for roof replacement and others in respect of increasing maintenance charges, residents of both the flats in the George Street area and of the Castle apartments met together last week to form a plan of action.

“If we approach Home Group as individuals we will get nowhere, as a group they must discuss with us what is happening. We need unity,’’ said one flat owner.

The blocks of George Street flats are a mix of occupants, some are Home tenants, many of whom are in receipt of benefit, while others have private landlords or are owner-occupiers.

The owners pay repair and maintenance charges for communal areas and services under a lease agreement with Home Group.

Some have been told that roofs need replacing and that their individual share of the cost could be up to £9,000, others have been quoted £7,000, £5,000 and £4,500.

The leaseholders say that improved maintenance of the properties, ie clearing of weeds, moss and mud from gutters on a regular basis, would allay any need for roof replacement.

One said he’d got his own local quote for a new roof which came in at £1,976 each.

“That’s a big difference,’’ he said. “What’s going on here? I would like to know how they are going to justify it. Some of those at the meeting said they would flatly refuse to pay.

“Over 70 per cent of Home Group properties are people on benefits but they are not going to be expected to pay their share of a new roof.’’

The leaseholders pay charges in relation to TV aerials, lighting, insurance, fire alarms and upkeep of communal areas, but with charges continuing to rise, feel they are not getting the best value for money or being given a say. There are complaints too about new doors and locking mechanisms that were installed with people finding themselves locked out. They now want to see survey reports and how contracts are awarded.

“We are paying management fees but they are not managing,’’ said one, who felt a proper Leaseholders’ Charter was needed, to go with the deeds of the property. It would agree a code of practice, timescales for complaints and repairs to be dealt with.

Jim Preston, director of customer service property, Home Group, said: “George Street leaseholders, in common with anyone who lives in a leasehold property such as a flat, are responsible for paying their share of communal maintenance bills. They are made aware of this when they become leaseholders.

“While we understand concern at the potential costs of repairs to their properties, it is too early to say what these will be as we are still assessing what work needs to be done.

“We can assure them this will be done in consultation and we will work to find the most affordable solution without compromising the standard of repair. I would also allay any concerns that leaseholders will pay disproportionately for these repairs. Rental customers pay for their share of repairs and maintenance through their weekly rental charge.”

The 20+ leaseholders who attended last week’s meeting, have formed a five-man committee who, having enlisted help from ward councillors, will now meet with Home Group on April 13 and will also attend a routine leaseholders meeting at the Civic Hall, April 18 (1.30pm). One said: “We have attended these Civic Hall meetings before, they are ineffectual. They listen to the issues we raise, then nothing happens. We have come together because of our dissatisfaction.’’

At the Castle, where flat dwellers own 75 per cent of the equity in their home and Home owns 25 per cent, there is concern at the level of building fund contributions being asked for, and fears it could impact on future sale-ability.

Home Group says no decision has been made on the extent of repairs. Survey work is being conducted and it will hold residents’ meetings at the end of April in an ongoing consultation which will explore options.

“Home Group will be transparent with residents throughout the consultation on the extent of work required and the costs. If residents want to appoint their own independent surveyor we will work with them.’’

Last week Home Group passed its repair and maintenance contract to Willmott Dixon Partnerships of Hertfordshire.

First published at 12:00, Thursday, 12 April 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk