Hi,
I have recently bought the long leasehold of a conversion flat. I am planning to do some improvement works to the interior including adding a wall, removing part of a load bearing wall and swapping the kitchen and bathroom positions.
2 weeks after requesting permission from the freeholder through the managing agent i received a notice stating -
That my request had not been put forward and that it would not be until i paid a £180 fee and signed a document agreeing to the following:
1. An additional admin charge of £300 if a building surveyor has to be consulted regarding the works, plus the surveyors fees direct to them.
2. An additional £100 if a surveyor is consulted to cover 'any initially anticipated future involvement in this matter which is deemed likely'
3. Structure notices to be served on all parties involved (the other flats)
4. In addition to the above fees, we (the managing agent) will make a 'one'off' extra site visit charge of £100 per hour if we are called to the property for any reason, as a result of the alterations.
The fees while high don't seem ridiculous but i am concerned about the site visit charge which is rather unrestricted and excessive for an unskilled estate agent.
Most importantly I just wanted to check that it would be OK to pay this initial fee and sign the document or if this was tying me into costs which could escalate while stopping me from being able to apply to LVT if the final costs are not reasonable? There is no mention of reasonableness in terms of the frees in the letter. If it is not advisable to sign this agreement what would be my next step?
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
Rob
I have recently bought the long leasehold of a conversion flat. I am planning to do some improvement works to the interior including adding a wall, removing part of a load bearing wall and swapping the kitchen and bathroom positions.
2 weeks after requesting permission from the freeholder through the managing agent i received a notice stating -
That my request had not been put forward and that it would not be until i paid a £180 fee and signed a document agreeing to the following:
1. An additional admin charge of £300 if a building surveyor has to be consulted regarding the works, plus the surveyors fees direct to them.
2. An additional £100 if a surveyor is consulted to cover 'any initially anticipated future involvement in this matter which is deemed likely'
3. Structure notices to be served on all parties involved (the other flats)
4. In addition to the above fees, we (the managing agent) will make a 'one'off' extra site visit charge of £100 per hour if we are called to the property for any reason, as a result of the alterations.
The fees while high don't seem ridiculous but i am concerned about the site visit charge which is rather unrestricted and excessive for an unskilled estate agent.
Most importantly I just wanted to check that it would be OK to pay this initial fee and sign the document or if this was tying me into costs which could escalate while stopping me from being able to apply to LVT if the final costs are not reasonable? There is no mention of reasonableness in terms of the frees in the letter. If it is not advisable to sign this agreement what would be my next step?
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
Rob
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