Jones Associates is an independent company specialising in managing quality properties, based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. We have substantial knowledge and experience and provide a full professional management service to property owners and landlords.
Block Management
Jones Associates has over 30 years experience of managing blocks of flats of all sizes and types from new build properties to listed building conversions. We can act as Agents for the Management Company answerable to the Directors of the Company, or act as Directors of the Management Company itself. We have a good working knowledge of the Companies Act 2006. As part of our service, we arrange Annual General Meetings with an Agenda, Budget and Accounts, and when necessary Extraordinary General Meetings can be arranged. We are able to take responsibility for ensuring that accounts and annual returns are submitted to Companies House.
Jones Associates have a team of accomplished contractors to deal with everything from general maintenance to more specialist requirements where gas and electricity are involved. We always set up an individual account for each block that is managed. We can assist in setting up the Management Company, arranging a budget and setting up the original contractor team, insurance etc. There is a charge dependent on the number of flats in the block. For ongoing management there is a monthly charge of 15% of the income plus VAT.
Right to Manage
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 provides opportunities for flat owners to run their own buildings. Typically running your own company will save in the region of 30% of the annual running cost, this will improve the value of the properties providing it is done properly. Right to Manage does not necessarily mean self management for the owners but it does mean that whoever runs the building reports to the owners.
Obtaining the Right to Manage your block of apartments can be a complicated but ultimately worthwhile process. We would never recommend that Owners attempt to undertake this themselves without assistance as failure can lead to delays.
The Head Landlord has an obligation to hand over the reserve/sinking fund. On a development each block must apply with a minimum of 50% of the residents supporting the right to manage. The freeholder can challenge the right to manage. The freeholder can pass a new Right to Manage claim to their Solicitor to scrutinise the application to look for reasons to reject the claim. Where cases are disputed they can ultimately be decided by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.
The time scale from start to finish is usually between 4-5 months assuming the process has been carried out to the letter. The power from the head lease passes to the Management Company. If owners of flats become Directors of the Management Company they need a good working knowledge of leasehold law and should also be prepared to dedicate time and energy to dealing with issues from the mundane to the legal. We can advise and assist, and fees are charged relative to the number of apartments available and also the number of owners supporting the application.
Jones Associates are pleased to be part of the LKP accreditation system and look forward to hearing from other leaseholders in the Cheshire area who may wish to achieve RTM.
Please contact us using any of the following details:
Postal address: 116 Chestergate, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6DU
Office Tel: 01625 500774 Mobile: 07900 847234
Email: Contact Pauline Jones: office@jonesassociates.uk.com
Web: www.jonesassociates.uk.com
