Do I get consulted about proposed major work?
You will be consulted about any major works that are likely to cost over £250 per flat. This includes repair, renewal and improvement works undertaken to your block or estate by Soha. Examples of major works are roof renewals, installation of controlled entry systems, window renewal and external redecoration etc.
Before any works are undertaken, unless it is an emergency, all residents are consulted and asked for comments. In most cases leaseholders are invited to nominate a contractor of their choice along with those contractors nominated by Soha who will be invited to tender for the works. Any likely charges will also be pointed out.
Whilst the work is being carried out, residents are encouraged to contact the surveyor managing the contract with issues relating to the work to try to put things right whilst the contractor is still on site.
The charges for the work will be included in the next service charge accounts. It is not unusual for some leaseholders to be charged different amounts. This depends on the timing of the original purchase and variations between individual leases.
Do I get consulted about long term contracts for goods, services or works?
Long term contracts are contracts that Soha enters into for longer than 12 months and where any leaseholder’s contribution will be over £100 in any one year. The contracts can cover items like grounds maintenance, servicing of lifts and equipment etc. Before a new contract is entered into all residents are consulted and asked for comments and in some cases leaseholders are invited to nominate a contractor of their choice who will be invited to tender. Any likely charges will also be pointed out. These types of charge are included in the annual service charge account.