As leaseholders in our building, we have a shared interest in ensuring that our homes are managed to the highest standards, both in terms of service quality and financial responsibility. Unfortunately, our current managing agent has not been meeting these expectations, and several issues have arisen that have led us to consider exercising our legal Right to Manage (RTM).
Here are some of the key concerns that have prompted this decision:
Rising Costs: This year, the managing agent has significantly increased service charges without clear justification. Despite these higher fees, there has been no noticeable improvement in the quality of services provided, leaving us questioning how our money is being spent.
Lack of Competence: We have observed several instances where the managing agent's handling of essential building management duties has fallen short. From delays in addressing issues to inadequate maintenance, their competence has become a serious concern, directly impacting our quality of life.
Questionable Duty of Care: A managing agent should act in the best interests of the leaseholders. However, we have found that this is not always the case with the current agent. Their actions often seem more focused on their own financial gain rather than the well-being of residents, raising doubts about their commitment to managing our building effectively.
By pursuing the RTM option, we, as leaseholders, have the opportunity to take control of the management of our building. This would allow us to:
Have a Say in Decision-Making: RTM would enable us to choose a managing agent that aligns with our needs and values or even manage the building ourselves. This means we could ensure that decisions about maintenance, repairs, and service charges are made with the residents' best interests in mind.
Improve Service Quality: With RTM, we could ensure that maintenance and repairs are carried out promptly and to a high standard. By selecting a competent and reliable managing agent, or self-managing, we can be confident that our building is being looked after properly.
Gain Financial Transparency and Control: RTM would give us control over the budget and service charges. We can ensure that the money we pay is being used efficiently and responsibly, and avoid unnecessary or inflated costs that don’t benefit the residents.
In short, RTM gives us the power to ensure that the management of our building is in the hands of people who care about it as much as we do. It’s a significant decision, but one that can lead to better financial oversight, improved services, and a stronger sense of community among residents.
We believe that taking this step is crucial for protecting our investment in our homes and ensuring that our building is managed with the care and attention it deserves.