CASE STUDIES
Property: Carrington Park (Silver End)
The development is made up of 66 units, which are a mix of houses and flats. In November 2012, Apt Property Management took over responsibility for the management of the development.
This case study shows our proactive and pragmatic approach to working with everyone within the development.
Residents' complaints at time of takeover
• They were unsure how their money was being spent
• Deficit charges were constantly being issued
• Poor accounting information was available
• Their property manager was constantly changing.
Our Approach
We held a residents meeting with the Leaseholders, listened to their issues and requirements, compiled an action report which we could then follow to ensure they were happy with the service we intended to provide them.
Outcome
• We corrected the incorrect charges that had previously been raised.
• We recruited contractors that had been recommended by the Leaseholders.
• We held regular Resident and Directors meetings.
• A 10-year maintenance plan was drafted and reserve funds are now allocated correctly between the Estate and the Flats.
Overall
• 18 months later there has been tremendous improvement. There was no increase in the budget and we still managed a surplus at year-end. Accounting reports are distributed to the Directors quarterly..
• At our last residents meeting only the Directors attended. This is usually a sign that all others are content with way the development is now being managed.
Property: Medici Close (Ilford)
The development has a total of 130 flats. In January 2014, Apt Property Management took over responsibility for the management of the development.
This case study shows our proactive and pragmatic approach to working with everyone within the development.
Residents' complaints at time of takeover
• They were unable to contact their Property Manager.
• Residents were unhappy with 0845 number, as there were long delays or no replies to queries raised.
• Deficit charges being issued year on year.
• There was a lack of trust in the charges being levied.
• Large call-out fees for TV aerial repair. Repetitive repairs to the door entry system, and ongoing fees for the removal of rubbish.
• High charges for Direct Debit payments.
• Large water bills were being levied.
• The development was in a very poor condition.
• Over £13,000 costs had been allocated to replacing light bulbs and unidentified minor repairs in one year.
Our Approach
We held a residents meeting with the Leaseholders to get a detailed idea of what the current issues were. We then compiled an action report to ensure we were addressing these going forward.
Outcome
• Following rigorous tenders, new cleaning and gardening contractors were instructed. Both were provided with a full brief of their duties. They attend more frequently at a lesser cost.
• We provided a direct telephone number and have held over 4 residents meetings since takeover, to ensure we are always moving in the right direction and communicating with the Leaseholders.
• We arranged for LED lighting to be fitted throughout - no more light bulb changes or costs.
• We are arranging for each unit to be billed for their own water supply as opposed paying from a bulk water meter.
• Fully comprehensive contracts have been taken out for the TV aerial and door entry system. This removes call-out charges or labour costs being levied to the service charge. In addition, the council now remove any dumped items at a fraction of what they were previously being charged.
APT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LIMITED
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