Property Management Co - argh!!

[kanga85]

Hi there, hope there is someone who can help clarify this for me!

I live in a block of 6 flats which is maintained by a property management company. I rent the flat and (indirectly, through my landlord) pay a service charge to this company.

Last week the bike shed belonging to my block of flats was broken in to, and several bikes were stolen, including my own This was despite the fact that my bike was securely locked to a purpose-built bike rack inside with a large, standards-approved bike lock.

About 5 or 6 weeks ago the management company changed the lock on the bike shed from a sturdy, thick combination bolt lock, to a normal padlock. I am still waiting for a response from them as to why they did this.

I am convinced that if they hadn't changed the lock, the burglary would have been averted, or at least made a damn sight harder to commit!

I must confess this is not the only complaint I've had with this company and their (lack of) handling of maintenance and security issues, so this rather seems like the last straw. They are not providing an adequate service for the money I pay, but I don't know how to go about challenging it.

I understand that they are not liable for personal possessions, but are they liable for inadequate maintenance or failing to secure the property?? Please could someone clarify the company's liability in this case, and what chance I have of getting the company to admit that they didn't secure the property.

[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Thanks!
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[TUTTSI]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

Kanga

Why did the property mantenance company change the lock if they were not responsible for the items inside?

Hi there, hope there is someone who can help clarify this for me!

I live in a block of 6 flats which is maintained by a property management company. I rent the flat and (indirectly, through my landlord) pay a service charge to this company.

Last week the bike shed belonging to my block of flats was broken in to, and several bikes were stolen, including my own This was despite the fact that my bike was securely locked to a purpose-built bike rack inside with a large, standards-approved bike lock.

About 5 or 6 weeks ago the management company changed the lock on the bike shed from a sturdy, thick combination bolt lock, to a normal padlock. I am still waiting for a response from them as to why they did this.

I am convinced that if they hadn't changed the lock, the burglary would have been averted, or at least made a damn sight harder to commit!

I must confess this is not the only complaint I've had with this company and their (lack of) handling of maintenance and security issues, so this rather seems like the last straw. They are not providing an adequate service for the money I pay, but I don't know how to go about challenging it.

I understand that they are not liable for personal possessions, but are they liable for inadequate maintenance or failing to secure the property?? Please could someone clarify the company's liability in this case, and what chance I have of getting the company to admit that they didn't secure the property.

[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Thanks!
[/font]

[kanga85]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have no idea why they changed the lock, still waiting for a response from them....I must confess I have little/no knowledge of liability or what property management companies are supposed to take care of. I just get the feeling I am being fobbed off by them telling me they are not responsible for the items in the bike shed.

[WendyB]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

But, as you rent the property from your landlord, it's him that pays the service charge, so I would have thought it would be the landlord that had to deal with the complaints, rather than you going direct to the management company. Your contract is with your landlord, not the management company, I would have thought. I may be completely wrong though.
You would probably be responsible for insuring your own items, unless the terms of your lease/rent etc cover insurance, and even then, the contract may well be with your landlord. You need to look carefully at your rental agreement and see what's covered and what isn't.

[Caspar]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

I'd agree with you Wendy. I'd also suggest two other things. Firstly contracts for blocks of flats like this vary enormously so you would need sight of this before making any complaint - your landlord will have a copy. Secondly, you stand a lot more chance of getting somewhere if it is done as a group action rather than as a single occupant, so if you can get the others on board it would add strength to any comeback you may or may not have.

You need sight of the contract, and probably to try to persuade your landlord to act on your behalf.

[Jason Drakes]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

You must ask them why they have changed the lock and what they have to do this without your permission. I think you must consult your lawyer if situation becomes worse.

[bazaar]

Re: Property Management Co - argh!!

could be an inside job, do you have specs for original they replaced? also, this maintenance company are behaving as most do by ignoring you, do you have a deed or something that shows you what they are to supply in return for your money?