Still battered

Property Sparrow is still very anxious about one of her flats, the one with the roof leak.

There has been a lot of activity lately but no solution.

The freeholder's managing agent appointed a Surveyor and at long last there is a proper specification for the roof repairs. Property Sparrow has forced herself to read every word of it. She has tried to grasp statements such as 'Fix stainless steel bell drip detail immediately above flashing and re-render in two coats (scratch and top) of sand cement render, rations 4 parts to 1 part accurately mixed with Sika No.1 waterproofing additive. ' Stainless steel? Property Sparrow thought that was for sinks.

The work went out to tender and three quotes were returned. The managing agent then issued a section 20ZA notice to the four leaseholders in the block. This is where the freeholder applies to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) to dispense with the consultation requirements of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 and the Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003. An application can be made in situations like this where properties are being damaged by rainwater. A Fast Track application has been requested. This is what Property Sparrow has been waiting for since February. The Surveyor said that the work could start on 24 May.

The leaseholders were asked to return a form to the LVT to confirm their agreement that the work can go ahead straightaway without the normal Section 20 consultation. It was the deadline for replies last Friday and Property Sparrow has heard that three leaseholders are in agreement that the work can go ahead now but one of the leaseholders on the ground floor has objected and demands that a hearing is held by the LVT and that the full s.20 consultation should apply. This will take at least two months.

Without the warm sunshine today Property Sparrow would have felt very miserable indeed.

To be continued.

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