Posted by: Mr Angry, Glasgow on 11:05am Tue 5 Feb 08
I had a blocked gutter on my property, the factor wanted £220 to have it repaired and told us it could be 3 or 4 weeks before the work could be done. We called the first company we could find in the Yellow pages, they came round 2 or 3 hours later, fixed the problem and charged about £110.
My Bath Street based factor is clearly only interested in ripping off it customers.
I had a blocked gutter on my property, the factor wanted £220 to have it repaired and told us it could be 3 or 4 weeks before the work could be done. We called the first company we could find in the Yellow pages, they came round 2 or 3 hours later, fixed the problem and charged about £110.
My Bath Street based factor is clearly only interested in ripping off it customers.
Posted by: and10_10, Glasgow on 11:35am Tue 5 Feb 08
Eventually something might be done to regulate and curb this con act!!
Its being going on far too long at the cost to the residents.
The factors need a governing body to monitor their service/pricing and give them a reason to shape up.
Eventually something might be done to regulate and curb this con act!!
Its being going on far too long at the cost to the residents.
The factors need a governing body to monitor their service/pricing and give them a reason to shape up.
Posted by: Carlie, East End on 1:01pm Tue 5 Feb 08
All factors are bad but the GHA has to be one of the worst! £72 for a replacement clothespole....£1500 to paint the close.....£400 to paint the front and back door of the close.....£300 to replace the back door of the close 3 weeks after painting it....the list is endless and these were all charges I got last year on top of the £12000 cladding bill........ I wonder what they will charge me for this year???
All factors are bad but the GHA has to be one of the worst! £72 for a replacement clothespole....£1500 to paint the close.....£400 to paint the front and back door of the close.....£300 to replace the back door of the close 3 weeks after painting it....the list is endless and these were all charges I got last year on top of the £12000 cladding bill........ I wonder what they will charge me for this year???
Posted by: Seymour Hope, Glasgow on 1:27pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Factors are very slimey organizations. They need to be challenged and questioned for ecerything. A lot of people are afraid to question them but the truth is factors are in the employ of the houseowners so they must be accountable. Get right into them ET and anyone else.
Factors are very slimey organizations. They need to be challenged and questioned for ecerything. A lot of people are afraid to question them but the truth is factors are in the employ of the houseowners so they must be accountable. Get right into them ET and anyone else.
Posted by: Aunt Sally, Glasgow on 1:36pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Hmm my factor is ok, The glass got smashed on the door by some wee d1ck with a fire extinguisher .. my factor got it done quick smart
Hmm my factor is ok, The glass got smashed on the door by some wee d1ck with a fire extinguisher .. my factor got it done quick smart
Posted by: daz, glasgow on 1:43pm Tue 5 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Aunt Sally[/bold] wrote:
Hmm my factor is ok, The glass got smashed on the door by some wee d1ck with a fire extinguisher .. my factor got it done quick smart[/quote] likewise aunt sally,
the thing that go my goat was that the tenant would'nt replaced the broken glass as he claimed it was a mate of mate who was there uninvited for the party. the factor had to get us all to stump up.
many of these problems would not arise if owners paid more attention to who they were letting flats out to - instead of the fast buck!
Aunt Sally wrote:
Hmm my factor is ok, The glass got smashed on the door by some wee d1ck with a fire extinguisher .. my factor got it done quick smart
likewise aunt sally,
the thing that go my goat was that the tenant would'nt replaced the broken glass as he claimed it was a mate of mate who was there uninvited for the party. the factor had to get us all to stump up.
many of these problems would not arise if owners paid more attention to who they were letting flats out to - instead of the fast buck!
Posted by: extortion, Glasgow on 1:59pm Tue 5 Feb 08
I'm a single parent. The factor of the building where I bought a flat 12 months ago flatly refused to give me any information on the general condition of the building prior to the sale. Three months later I was told that the roof required up to £50,000 worth of repairs. A whopping £8,000 per flat, now increased to £12,000 as they've done nothing to address it. They told me they didn't have to give me the information "because the work hadn't been instructed" at the point of sale.. One word covers them, but I'm too polite to use it. I'm supposed to find the £8 to £12k to cover this!
I'm a single parent. The factor of the building where I bought a flat 12 months ago flatly refused to give me any information on the general condition of the building prior to the sale. Three months later I was told that the roof required up to £50,000 worth of repairs. A whopping £8,000 per flat, now increased to £12,000 as they've done nothing to address it. They told me they didn't have to give me the information "because the work hadn't been instructed" at the point of sale.. One word covers them, but I'm too polite to use it. I'm supposed to find the £8 to £12k to cover this!
Posted by: extortion, Glasgow on 2:13pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Oh, and they didn't inform my solicitor either as they "probably didn't ask the right questions"! I look forward to the ET campaign. These people need to be accountable.
Oh, and they didn't inform my solicitor either as they "probably didn't ask the right questions"! I look forward to the ET campaign. These people need to be accountable.
Posted by: Schtum, Glasgow on 2:18pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Excellent campaign.
I hope that the folks over at www.RateYourFactor.c
o.uk pick up on the momentum generated here and deliver a much needed league table of factors. Let’s sort the good guys from the bad and bring customer service back into property management.
Excellent campaign.
I hope that the folks over at www.RateYourFactor.c
o.uk pick up on the momentum generated here and deliver a much needed league table of factors. Let’s sort the good guys from the bad and bring customer service back into property management.
Posted by: Captain Sensible, Glasgow on 2:29pm Tue 5 Feb 08
This stinks. My factor is excellent, always amenable and gets the job done. This story prays on your `Victim Mentality`. There are good Factors and bad Factors out there. Just remember if Factors are regulated they will dump unprofitable properties and leave them to rot. I've seen this happen and I can tell you, you wouldn't want to live there!!
This stinks. My factor is excellent, always amenable and gets the job done. This story prays on your `Victim Mentality`. There are good Factors and bad Factors out there. Just remember if Factors are regulated they will dump unprofitable properties and leave them to rot. I've seen this happen and I can tell you, you wouldn't want to live there!!
Posted by: unit, glasgow on 2:47pm Tue 5 Feb 08
I lived at an un-factored property for 2 years. Various repairs were required throughout this time, but no one was interested in organising anything. I took it upon myself to knock doors and try and arrange these repairs. It was like hitting your head against a brick wall and NOTHING got done. The property i am in now is factored and they arrange for quotes and the work DOES get done! I cant speak for all factors, but mine(Ross and Liddell) is excellent!Its easy to print half truths, after all good news doesnt sell papers! Whats the alternative, sack the factor and arrange your own repairs??? No Thanks!
I lived at an un-factored property for 2 years. Various repairs were required throughout this time, but no one was interested in organising anything. I took it upon myself to knock doors and try and arrange these repairs. It was like hitting your head against a brick wall and NOTHING got done. The property i am in now is factored and they arrange for quotes and the work DOES get done! I cant speak for all factors, but mine(Ross and Liddell) is excellent!Its easy to print half truths, after all good news doesnt sell papers! Whats the alternative, sack the factor and arrange your own repairs??? No Thanks!
Posted by: Schtum, Glasgow on 2:52pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts. [wink]
Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts.
Posted by: Schtum, Glasgow on 2:53pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts. ;-)
Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts. ;-)
Posted by: yogi, crosshill on 2:59pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Thank the lord this is being highlighted....almos
t every quarter there is a MYSTERY repair that no one seems able to identify...gangsters
.
Will be interesting reading....thank you.
Thank the lord this is being highlighted....almos
t every quarter there is a MYSTERY repair that no one seems able to identify...gangsters
.
Will be interesting reading....thank you.
Posted by: bobrus, Glasgow on 3:01pm Tue 5 Feb 08
I am on first name terms with my factor. (His name is Max) He will MAKE UP receipts for me. when my MAS CAR A borrowed broke down, he fixed it, without any LIP. STICK to what you know. No powder puff factors for me.
I am on first name terms with my factor. (His name is Max) He will MAKE UP receipts for me. when my MAS CAR A borrowed broke down, he fixed it, without any LIP. STICK to what you know. No powder puff factors for me.
Posted by: BhoyWunda, East Kilbride on 3:01pm Tue 5 Feb 08
The answer is....self-factor. Had in in my close in East Kilbride and worked out about £12 a quarter which included the grass getting cut. Magic.
The answer is....self-factor. Had in in my close in East Kilbride and worked out about £12 a quarter which included the grass getting cut. Magic.
Posted by: big fal, glasgow on 3:39pm Tue 5 Feb 08
My Factor is excellent. If there is any vandalism he will go out of his way to find those responsible and charge the repair costs to them. Just get rid of the unregulated, crooks and leave it to the professionals
My Factor is excellent. If there is any vandalism he will go out of his way to find those responsible and charge the repair costs to them. Just get rid of the unregulated, crooks and leave it to the professionals
Posted by: daz, glasgow on 3:42pm Tue 5 Feb 08
BhoyWunda
wrong answer - my experience is self-factoring is a nightmare - even more so now that the buy-to-let nightmare arrived (and is slowly unravelling - panorama last night).
previous properties i lived in were self-factored and hee haw got done, mainly thanks to absent landlords and uninterested shop owners.
the owners in my current tenement want to ditch the factor (mainly due to the 'high' cost) but none of them live here and i think once the factors are out they'll do it themselves (or not do anything as the case will be)!
Tradesmen can be a nightmare to deal with - and that's coming from someone who works in the construction industry.
BhoyWunda
wrong answer - my experience is self-factoring is a nightmare - even more so now that the buy-to-let nightmare arrived (and is slowly unravelling - panorama last night).
previous properties i lived in were self-factored and hee haw got done, mainly thanks to absent landlords and uninterested shop owners.
the owners in my current tenement want to ditch the factor (mainly due to the 'high' cost) but none of them live here and i think once the factors are out they'll do it themselves (or not do anything as the case will be)!
Tradesmen can be a nightmare to deal with - and that's coming from someone who works in the construction industry.
Posted by: stephensimmons, Glagow on 3:55pm Tue 5 Feb 08
[quote][bold]extortion[/bold] wrote:
I'm a single parent. The factor of the building where I bought a flat 12 months ago flatly refused to give me any information on the general condition of the building prior to the sale. Three months later I was told that the roof required up to £50,000 worth of repairs. A whopping £8,000 per flat, now increased to £12,000 as they've done nothing to address it. They told me they didn't have to give me the information "because the work hadn't been instructed" at the point of sale.. One word covers them, but I'm too polite to use it. I'm supposed to find the £8 to £12k to cover this![/quote] hmmm did you have a building surveyor - surely this would have been highlighted in their report?
extortion wrote:
I'm a single parent. The factor of the building where I bought a flat 12 months ago flatly refused to give me any information on the general condition of the building prior to the sale. Three months later I was told that the roof required up to £50,000 worth of repairs. A whopping £8,000 per flat, now increased to £12,000 as they've done nothing to address it. They told me they didn't have to give me the information "because the work hadn't been instructed" at the point of sale.. One word covers them, but I'm too polite to use it. I'm supposed to find the £8 to £12k to cover this!
hmmm did you have a building surveyor - surely this would have been highlighted in their report?
Posted by: extortion, Glasgow on 4:04pm Tue 5 Feb 08
stephensimmons - limited in what survey I could afford, but it did highlight some problems on "visual" check. Factor was then asked by both me and solicitor and did not provide info on the full extent of the major survey/costing that had already been carried out. That's the bit where I was told my solicitor "didn't ask the right questions"!
stephensimmons - limited in what survey I could afford, but it did highlight some problems on "visual" check. Factor was then asked by both me and solicitor and did not provide info on the full extent of the major survey/costing that had already been carried out. That's the bit where I was told my solicitor "didn't ask the right questions"!
Posted by: stephensimmons, Glagow on 4:44pm Tue 5 Feb 08
I am not saying the factor acted correctly there however the burden of responsibility is really on the owner to then authorise a schedule 3 survey if suspicions of problems are highlighted. The question your solicitor should have been asking is "dont you think you should have this checked out" not asking a factor who may not have had the property surveyed. Of yourself, the solicitor and the factor, the facotr has the least responsibility here i am afraid
I am not saying the factor acted correctly there however the burden of responsibility is really on the owner to then authorise a schedule 3 survey if suspicions of problems are highlighted. The question your solicitor should have been asking is "dont you think you should have this checked out" not asking a factor who may not have had the property surveyed. Of yourself, the solicitor and the factor, the facotr has the least responsibility here i am afraid
Posted by: **** Toad, Location, Location on 4:47pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Sureely that's your/ your solicitors fault then... no?
Sureely that's your/ your solicitors fault then... no?
Posted by: Factor1, Glasgow on 5:11pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Extortion - You could scatter the blame in several directions for your nightmare, but I suggest the factor is totally the wrong target here. Remember that until you actually buy the flat the factor’s client is the seller. The factor has absolutely no agency with either you or your solicitor and could actually be sued by the seller if a sale were prejudiced by any comment made to you or your legal representative.
The factor will normally deal with a sale by answering whatever SPECIFIC questions are asked by the seller’s solicitor. If these answers do not cover what you think they should, you or your representative should have reverted accordingly to the seller’s solicitor. That is and as far as I know always has been the procedure is these matters. Obviously the fact that you failed to have the property surveyed is no-one’s fault but your own.
Extortion - You could scatter the blame in several directions for your nightmare, but I suggest the factor is totally the wrong target here. Remember that until you actually buy the flat the factor’s client is the seller. The factor has absolutely no agency with either you or your solicitor and could actually be sued by the seller if a sale were prejudiced by any comment made to you or your legal representative.
The factor will normally deal with a sale by answering whatever SPECIFIC questions are asked by the seller’s solicitor. If these answers do not cover what you think they should, you or your representative should have reverted accordingly to the seller’s solicitor. That is and as far as I know always has been the procedure is these matters. Obviously the fact that you failed to have the property surveyed is no-one’s fault but your own.
Posted by: alanmadden, glasgow on 5:36pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Linthouse Housing Association.Useless and Con Men.
1.Their "management fee" doubles each year as part of the yearly fee, with no justification why or what this cost actually covers.
2.Their "cyclical maintenance" cost is supost to cover certain repairs but they never seem to get done.
3.They came out to fix tiles above the close front door, within a week they had fell off so they reapired them, then about 2 months later they were out again putting them back up! - Instead of guaranting the work for ayear i was amazed to find out they had charged 3 times for doing the work!! - Therefore its in their interests to do a job badly so they can come back out and do it again a nd charge again!!!
Scandal..
Linthouse Housing Association.Useless and Con Men.
1.Their "management fee" doubles each year as part of the yearly fee, with no justification why or what this cost actually covers.
2.Their "cyclical maintenance" cost is supost to cover certain repairs but they never seem to get done.
3.They came out to fix tiles above the close front door, within a week they had fell off so they reapired them, then about 2 months later they were out again putting them back up! - Instead of guaranting the work for ayear i was amazed to find out they had charged 3 times for doing the work!! - Therefore its in their interests to do a job badly so they can come back out and do it again a nd charge again!!!
Scandal..
Posted by: tam-m, southside on 6:41pm Tue 5 Feb 08
i worked with a roofing company years ago and when you were sent to factored property you were told to spend the day on it.so if it took you one hour the rest of the day was spent idling.a lot of factors also use the same companies all the time then when they get work done on their own houses it is free.a wee bonus from their friends. glad to see their times up
i worked with a roofing company years ago and when you were sent to factored property you were told to spend the day on it.so if it took you one hour the rest of the day was spent idling.a lot of factors also use the same companies all the time then when they get work done on their own houses it is free.a wee bonus from their friends. glad to see their times up
Posted by: AndrewM, Shawlands, Glasgow on 7:10pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Our block has the misfortune to be managed by Spiers Parnie. I'm sure what happens is that they get a "rebate" from workmen for the work that they give them. They quoted £3600 to replace the close lighting but at the same time they were paying £25 to change a lightbulb which would last a few weeks. Eventually the Council replaced the lighting for less than £1800. Something should be done.
Our block has the misfortune to be managed by Spiers Parnie. I'm sure what happens is that they get a "rebate" from workmen for the work that they give them. They quoted £3600 to replace the close lighting but at the same time they were paying £25 to change a lightbulb which would last a few weeks. Eventually the Council replaced the lighting for less than £1800. Something should be done.
Posted by: The Shwad, Paisley on 7:57pm Tue 5 Feb 08
My factor takes forever to do any repairs my gutter took 9 months to fix which in turn caused serious damage to the rendering which still hasnt been fixed and all I get are pitiful excuses e.g we are in dispute with our contractor, not my problem im afraid but when they present me with a bill it has to be paid instantly or I am threatened with court action lets stop these charlatans from causing any more damage to peoples lifes.
My factor takes forever to do any repairs my gutter took 9 months to fix which in turn caused serious damage to the rendering which still hasnt been fixed and all I get are pitiful excuses e.g we are in dispute with our contractor, not my problem im afraid but when they present me with a bill it has to be paid instantly or I am threatened with court action lets stop these charlatans from causing any more damage to peoples lifes.
Posted by: The Shwad, Paisley on 8:11pm Tue 5 Feb 08
In addition to Tam-m comment I know exactly what you mean about tradesmen sitting around all day doing nothing whenever I have had the fortune to finally see some work getting done the workmen do a very little bit then appear to sit in their vans having the longest tea breaks I have ever seen and having worked for a company in the past that does a lot of work for my factor I have seen that it is highly coincidental that senior men in the company and the factor are members of the same social clubs freebies I hear you say I think so people hence one of the reasons I no longer work for that company any more as looking my neighbours in the eyes with the company uniform on brought me lots of embarrassment.
In addition to Tam-m comment I know exactly what you mean about tradesmen sitting around all day doing nothing whenever I have had the fortune to finally see some work getting done the workmen do a very little bit then appear to sit in their vans having the longest tea breaks I have ever seen and having worked for a company in the past that does a lot of work for my factor I have seen that it is highly coincidental that senior men in the company and the factor are members of the same social clubs freebies I hear you say I think so people hence one of the reasons I no longer work for that company any more as looking my neighbours in the eyes with the company uniform on brought me lots of embarrassment.
Posted by: wattaj, Edinburgh on 8:52pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Thank-you ET for taking the time to shine a light on the sharp practice carried out by some property management companies in Glasgow.
However, we should remember that there are good guys out there...
Unfortunately, there is no way of telling who they are and how well they compare with their competitors.
Residents need a honest, even handed and open assessment of a factor's service.
This is something that we have been trying to pull together for a while now...
It's a bit rough and could do with some polish, but your welcome to drop by and say hello.
www.RateYourFactor.c
o.uk
All advice for improvements to the website welcomed. ;-)
Thank-you ET for taking the time to shine a light on the sharp practice carried out by some property management companies in Glasgow.
However, we should remember that there are good guys out there...
Unfortunately, there is no way of telling who they are and how well they compare with their competitors.
Residents need a honest, even handed and open assessment of a factor's service.
This is something that we have been trying to pull together for a while now...
It's a bit rough and could do with some polish, but your welcome to drop by and say hello.
www.RateYourFactor.c
o.uk
All advice for improvements to the website welcomed. ;-)
Posted by: chedwardall, glasgow on 8:53pm Tue 5 Feb 08
£864 a year to have a 6m x 6m patch of grass cut? Why not go to B&Q and get a cheap hover mower for £30 and cut it themselves?
£864 a year to have a 6m x 6m patch of grass cut? Why not go to B&Q and get a cheap hover mower for £30 and cut it themselves?
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 8:57pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Get your thumb out of your arse and self-factor. Whinging about factoring is easy but meaningful action is much harder.
I resigned from our self-factored association after 2 years of apathy, laziness and hostility from fellow owners (who while they share your negative views against professional property management, can't actually be bothered to do anything themselves).
A quarter of the owners refuse to pay the tiny monthly fee. Out of 16 adults in the tenement barely anyone lifted a finger to assist and tended to moan rather than contribute with any time or effort.
The most vociferous critics about repairs, cleaning and the management of the fund were perversely those who hadn't paid a bean.
What owners desire is a professional property management service at self-factoring prices but aren't willing to put any effort into achieving this.
The casual finger pointing of the posts on this thread remind me of the selfishness I encountered. If you aren't happy with your factor, then self-factor and then you'll soon wise up. Either put up or shut up.
Get your thumb out of your arse and self-factor. Whinging about factoring is easy but meaningful action is much harder.
I resigned from our self-factored association after 2 years of apathy, laziness and hostility from fellow owners (who while they share your negative views against professional property management, can't actually be bothered to do anything themselves).
A quarter of the owners refuse to pay the tiny monthly fee. Out of 16 adults in the tenement barely anyone lifted a finger to assist and tended to moan rather than contribute with any time or effort.
The most vociferous critics about repairs, cleaning and the management of the fund were perversely those who hadn't paid a bean.
What owners desire is a professional property management service at self-factoring prices but aren't willing to put any effort into achieving this.
The casual finger pointing of the posts on this thread remind me of the selfishness I encountered. If you aren't happy with your factor, then self-factor and then you'll soon wise up. Either put up or shut up.
Posted by: MwTB295T, London road, Glasgow on 9:01pm Tue 5 Feb 08
[italic]italic[/italic] [bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic] [bold]bold[/bold] (As owners, we feel the common charge account(GHA)DEMAND of us is unjustified, particularly when its suppose to include a buzzer entry system(that they haven't wired up)and that our property doesn't have access to! The WORST service is the alleged stair cleaning that is suppose to take place once a week, surely if the stairs were being cleaned PROPERLY the close would'nt have dirt, dog hairs and layers of dust lying around. Time to shape up or ship out springs to mind!!!
(As owners, we feel the common charge account(GHA)DEMAND of us is unjustified, particularly when its suppose to include a buzzer entry system(that they haven't wired up)and that our property doesn't have access to! The WORST service is the alleged stair cleaning that is suppose to take place once a week, surely if the stairs were being cleaned PROPERLY the close would'nt have dirt, dog hairs and layers of dust lying around. Time to shape up or ship out springs to mind!!!
Posted by: MwTB295T, London road, Glasgow on 9:12pm Tue 5 Feb 08
....,Also we were told by GHA that SELF-FACTORING was not an option as the majority in our block were council tenants and when we challenged the matter we were threatened with legal action, this is just bully boy tactics!!
....,Also we were told by GHA that SELF-FACTORING was not an option as the majority in our block were council tenants and when we challenged the matter we were threatened with legal action, this is just bully boy tactics!!
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 9:29pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Schtum writes "Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts." This insinuates that Factors are posting fake positive messages on this thread.
I couldn't give a toss if my IP address is published and the internet Police drag me out of my bed and present me to Schtum in person with ID that proves I am not a property professional trolling these boards to improve the reputation of Factors.
My message remains unchanged - some Factors may offer an unsatisfactory and expensive service but try running a self-factored close and you will soon tire of the concept of 'owner-power'.
It involves witnessing dozens of adults in a tenement trying their best to escape from any responsibility or payment and only expending their energies on whining, much like the posts on this thread.
I pity the poor mugs who run themselves ragged serving their community as the only thing that owners hate more than Factors is the person in a self-factored close who performs these duties on a voluntary basis.
That poor mug is expected to offer a professional service without any assistance whatsover.
Schtum writes "Emmm... Would be interesting to see the IP addresses for the pro-factor posts." This insinuates that Factors are posting fake positive messages on this thread.
I couldn't give a toss if my IP address is published and the internet Police drag me out of my bed and present me to Schtum in person with ID that proves I am not a property professional trolling these boards to improve the reputation of Factors.
My message remains unchanged - some Factors may offer an unsatisfactory and expensive service but try running a self-factored close and you will soon tire of the concept of 'owner-power'.
It involves witnessing dozens of adults in a tenement trying their best to escape from any responsibility or payment and only expending their energies on whining, much like the posts on this thread.
I pity the poor mugs who run themselves ragged serving their community as the only thing that owners hate more than Factors is the person in a self-factored close who performs these duties on a voluntary basis.
That poor mug is expected to offer a professional service without any assistance whatsover.
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 9:35pm Tue 5 Feb 08
GHA? Let me get this right - the public subsidises social housing so if you own a flat in a GHA factored building, chances are it was flogged by the tenant under right to buy and the new owner should have been aware of the risks of high services charges that come through buying ex-coouncil property?
GHA? Let me get this right - the public subsidises social housing so if you own a flat in a GHA factored building, chances are it was flogged by the tenant under right to buy and the new owner should have been aware of the risks of high services charges that come through buying ex-coouncil property?
Posted by: Bankie, Clydebank on 9:40pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs
Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs
Posted by: rocket, glasgow on 9:44pm Tue 5 Feb 08
GHA,seem to have license to print money,i got billed 3 times 4 same job cos thats how many times it took them to sort it,now have £8000 bill for work , we know if we get carried out ourselves will cost us £2200.
GHA,seem to have license to print money,i got billed 3 times 4 same job cos thats how many times it took them to sort it,now have £8000 bill for work , we know if we get carried out ourselves will cost us £2200.
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 9:46pm Tue 5 Feb 08
Apart from people that bought cheap ex-cooncil property, experienced useless solicitors and can't be bothered to form their own owner associations, does this thread have any point?
Dodgy Factors thrive in tenements where owners are lazy. It's easy to switch factors or self-factor but requires effort and coordination.
In the meantime, rogue factors will reap easy money.
Apart from people that bought cheap ex-cooncil property, experienced useless solicitors and can't be bothered to form their own owner associations, does this thread have any point?
Dodgy Factors thrive in tenements where owners are lazy. It's easy to switch factors or self-factor but requires effort and coordination.
In the meantime, rogue factors will reap easy money.
Posted by: rocket, glasgow on 9:49pm Tue 5 Feb 08
GHA,seem to have license to print money,i got billed 3 times 4 same job cos thats how many times it took them to sort it,now have £8000 bill for work , we know if we get carried out ourselves will cost us £2200.
GHA,seem to have license to print money,i got billed 3 times 4 same job cos thats how many times it took them to sort it,now have £8000 bill for work , we know if we get carried out ourselves will cost us £2200.
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 9:50pm Tue 5 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Bankie[/bold] wrote:
Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs [/quote] It's been common knowledge since the inception of the Right to Buy scheme that new buyers of ex-social housing stock get caught up in the cost of communal repairs.
Bankie wrote:
Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs
It's been common knowledge since the inception of the Right to Buy scheme that new buyers of ex-social housing stock get caught up in the cost of communal repairs.
Posted by: snap c, glasgow on 10:28pm Tue 5 Feb 08
cummins,turner,watt,
,carlton place,glasgow just as well i dont use bad language but robbing b,,,,,,,,, comes to mind years buildings insurance£235,,i can get both contents/buildings online for £80.to£105 per year with much beeter cover but my factor says i cant because my hole estate must opt out of factor cant do it on my own.im all for the times on this one,,thanks [evening times g33
cummins,turner,watt,
,carlton place,glasgow just as well i dont use bad language but robbing b,,,,,,,,, comes to mind years buildings insurance£235,,i can get both contents/buildings online for £80.to£105 per year with much beeter cover but my factor says i cant because my hole estate must opt out of factor cant do it on my own.im all for the times on this one,,thanks [evening times g33
Posted by: greenie, Glasgow on 10:35pm Tue 5 Feb 08
[quote][bold]bluey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Bankie[/bold] wrote: Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs [/quote] It's been common knowledge since the inception of the Right to Buy scheme that new buyers of ex-social housing stock get caught up in the cost of communal repairs. [/quote] Bluey you have been talking nonsense all night pal. For example, the Right to Buy Scheme came into being in 1980, while Bankie talks about a storm 1968. So what's your point caller?
To boast about how you have been able to sort out your own situation (whoopdedoo) in total ignorance of the problems other people may face (e.g. not actually having the ability to sack their factor if owners are in the minority, or if they are absentee owners etc) confirms that your contribution is as useful as a pair of chocolate underpants on a big fish.
Greenie
bluey wrote:
Bankie wrote: Doesn't look like much has changed since the great storm of '68, where many factors charged for reslating tenement roofs which didn't have slates i.e. flat roofs
It's been common knowledge since the inception of the Right to Buy scheme that new buyers of ex-social housing stock get caught up in the cost of communal repairs.
Bluey you have been talking nonsense all night pal. For example, the Right to Buy Scheme came into being in 1980, while Bankie talks about a storm 1968. So what's your point caller?
To boast about how you have been able to sort out your own situation (whoopdedoo) in total ignorance of the problems other people may face (e.g. not actually having the ability to sack their factor if owners are in the minority, or if they are absentee owners etc) confirms that your contribution is as useful as a pair of chocolate underpants on a big fish.
Greenie
Posted by: Robert, vancouver on 11:39pm Tue 5 Feb 08
It's time for the People to get ride of those Robbing Factors...Shame on them.
It's time for the People to get ride of those Robbing Factors...Shame on them.
Posted by: brianscottie43, Toronto, Canada on 4:09am Wed 6 Feb 08
We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s),
indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).
We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s),
indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).
Posted by: Factor1, Glasgow on 7:34am Wed 6 Feb 08
[quote][bold]brianscottie43[/bold] wrote:
We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s), indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).[/quote] What happens in your system when some owners do not pay their share? That is the root of the problem here, as noted by others above who have tried to self-factor.
Easier said than done successfully taking them to court, in Scotland anyway.
brianscottie43 wrote:
We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s), indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).
What happens in your system when some owners do not pay their share? That is the root of the problem here, as noted by others above who have tried to self-factor.
Easier said than done successfully taking them to court, in Scotland anyway.
Posted by: limpet67, Glasgow on 8:17am Wed 6 Feb 08
Once again ET have started another great campaign on behalf of the little people. I have to agree with the comments about GHA having a licence to print money!! Our close of 6 has 5 owners and one tennant, we want to self factor and we've been told that unless we have 6 owners we can't get rid of them as factors. If anyone can advise us how to get rid, we would bite your hand off!! This mob quoted us over £1600 per flat last year for a controlled entry system, which included replacing the front and back doors, which DIDN'T need to be replaced. We then got three quotes of our own from firms used in other closes in our area, which GHA approve, and low and behold we were quoted less than £1600 for the whole close. The "common charge" is a total rip off, I've asked on numerous occassions exactly what the "Factoring Management Fee" entails. I too have been threatened with legal action if I do not pay my quarterly common charge acount by the due date, but if the period of my account is not up until one month after the account has been issued, why should I pay for services I have not received, you wouldn't pay for any other services up front. I have told them this in writing. The tenant in the close had central heating put in a couple of years ago which resulted in water damage in my flat once the job had been done, we had to get her to call them back out and get it fixed, and we only found out last year when the flat above hers boiler blew, that the contractor who put in the tenants central heating had removed a pipe which is supposed to run the height of the three flats for water overflow, GHA had to get this replaced. My understanding is that once work is done a Clerk of Works is supposed to check it, so why wasn't this found at the time? But that's a whole other story. I was in a "Self Factored" flat for 8 years and it was great, but then, as previous threads have said, that all depends on the neighbours you have and I was very fortunate then, as I am now, I have great neighbours. GHA only care about their tenants and NOT the homeowners they factor.
Once again ET have started another great campaign on behalf of the little people. I have to agree with the comments about GHA having a licence to print money!! Our close of 6 has 5 owners and one tennant, we want to self factor and we've been told that unless we have 6 owners we can't get rid of them as factors. If anyone can advise us how to get rid, we would bite your hand off!! This mob quoted us over £1600 per flat last year for a controlled entry system, which included replacing the front and back doors, which DIDN'T need to be replaced. We then got three quotes of our own from firms used in other closes in our area, which GHA approve, and low and behold we were quoted less than £1600 for the whole close. The "common charge" is a total rip off, I've asked on numerous occassions exactly what the "Factoring Management Fee" entails. I too have been threatened with legal action if I do not pay my quarterly common charge acount by the due date, but if the period of my account is not up until one month after the account has been issued, why should I pay for services I have not received, you wouldn't pay for any other services up front. I have told them this in writing. The tenant in the close had central heating put in a couple of years ago which resulted in water damage in my flat once the job had been done, we had to get her to call them back out and get it fixed, and we only found out last year when the flat above hers boiler blew, that the contractor who put in the tenants central heating had removed a pipe which is supposed to run the height of the three flats for water overflow, GHA had to get this replaced. My understanding is that once work is done a Clerk of Works is supposed to check it, so why wasn't this found at the time? But that's a whole other story. I was in a "Self Factored" flat for 8 years and it was great, but then, as previous threads have said, that all depends on the neighbours you have and I was very fortunate then, as I am now, I have great neighbours. GHA only care about their tenants and NOT the homeowners they factor.
Posted by: eve, glasgow on 9:20am Wed 6 Feb 08
I lived in a tenenment in the east end for 10 years and our factor had to be the worst ever(HACKING AND PATERSON). As were all owners we were charged for jobs that were never done. We tried to change factors but they blocked us every time we did eventually but it took us 7 years before we could due to them dragging their heels. I am sure there are a lot more people who will comment on their practice.
I lived in a tenenment in the east end for 10 years and our factor had to be the worst ever(HACKING AND PATERSON). As were all owners we were charged for jobs that were never done. We tried to change factors but they blocked us every time we did eventually but it took us 7 years before we could due to them dragging their heels. I am sure there are a lot more people who will comment on their practice.
Posted by: eve, glasgow on 9:42am Wed 6 Feb 08
I live in a four-in-a-block with 3 owners and 1 tenant in the east end and the present factor G.H.A are a joke. Just recently tiles came off our roof during the strong winds(I am top floor) when I phoned for a repair I was told that it would be 3 weeks before someone would attend, I disagreed and told them that we would have more rain within those 3 weeks and the rain would come into my loft, I was told by CITY BUILDING that they were told to tell people phoning for repairs that unless the water was coming down the walls in the house and the celing was in danger of coming in only then would it be treated as an emergency (another callout charge).I would have thought that to prevent the ceilng coming in and water damage to the building that G.H.A. would have acted quickier (but no!to act quicker would only result in a small reapir bill to G.H.A.) let it drag out and G.H.A. will try and get as much money from us as they possibly can. No one turned up on the date given, when I called CITY BUILDING I was informed that G.H.A had stopped all outside repairs and you have to contact your local housing office for them to authorise a outside repair. This then took another week before someone came out carry out the job. WHY ARE WE PAYING COMMON CHARGE FEES WHEN YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING JOB (SMALL OR LARGE)CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL US WHERE OUR MONEY GOES AND WHAT IT PAYS FOR EVERY 3 MONTHS.
I live in a four-in-a-block with 3 owners and 1 tenant in the east end and the present factor G.H.A are a joke. Just recently tiles came off our roof during the strong winds(I am top floor) when I phoned for a repair I was told that it would be 3 weeks before someone would attend, I disagreed and told them that we would have more rain within those 3 weeks and the rain would come into my loft, I was told by CITY BUILDING that they were told to tell people phoning for repairs that unless the water was coming down the walls in the house and the celing was in danger of coming in only then would it be treated as an emergency (another callout charge).I would have thought that to prevent the ceilng coming in and water damage to the building that G.H.A. would have acted quickier (but no!to act quicker would only result in a small reapir bill to G.H.A.) let it drag out and G.H.A. will try and get as much money from us as they possibly can. No one turned up on the date given, when I called CITY BUILDING I was informed that G.H.A had stopped all outside repairs and you have to contact your local housing office for them to authorise a outside repair. This then took another week before someone came out carry out the job. WHY ARE WE PAYING COMMON CHARGE FEES WHEN YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING JOB (SMALL OR LARGE)CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL US WHERE OUR MONEY GOES AND WHAT IT PAYS FOR EVERY 3 MONTHS.
Posted by: grantyboy, glasgow on 12:15pm Wed 6 Feb 08
I own an apartment in Glasgow city centre, and basically have to deal with the factors on a daily basis and never have I come across a more incompetant bunch of people than that of Life Property Management. They seem to be incapable of managing themselves never mind property. I have seen inflated bills for work that has never been caried out, they have allowed the building to be used as a doss house for any lowlife to freely come and go as they choose - and yet they bill me for providing 24 hour security. Well done ET - keep up the good work
I own an apartment in Glasgow city centre, and basically have to deal with the factors on a daily basis and never have I come across a more incompetant bunch of people than that of Life Property Management. They seem to be incapable of managing themselves never mind property. I have seen inflated bills for work that has never been caried out, they have allowed the building to be used as a doss house for any lowlife to freely come and go as they choose - and yet they bill me for providing 24 hour security. Well done ET - keep up the good work
Posted by: david on 1:12pm Wed 6 Feb 08
Murphy Scholar. These guys have to be the most confused foolish factors in Scotland.
To cut a boring story short I think they should be on "Crimewatch" or "Youve been framed" cause they are thiefs and idiots.
Murphy Scholar. These guys have to be the most confused foolish factors in Scotland.
To cut a boring story short I think they should be on "Crimewatch" or "Youve been framed" cause they are thiefs and idiots.
Posted by: Heather W, Luing on 3:13pm Wed 6 Feb 08
Mine are actually ok - up to a point but they never come out to see the property so you are left trying to give vivid descriptions over the phone. You never speak to the same person twice on one issue and it seems to be in the Factors' Rule Book that they never return a call.
I do fully appreciate their problem with gathering money to actually carry out work. With more than half of my tenement owned by absentee landlards (deliberate typo :-)) they just want to collect rent so carrying out any repairs takes ages or the factors give up trying. They no longer put themselves in debt and claim the non payer but suggest other owners pay and sort it out themselves - which of course just does not happen.
By chance I looked up the Landlards Registry at the City Council as you are meant to be able to contact absentee landlords directly. And guess what? Only 1 was actually detailed there! Makes a mockery of anyone trying to maintain their property.
Mine are actually ok - up to a point but they never come out to see the property so you are left trying to give vivid descriptions over the phone. You never speak to the same person twice on one issue and it seems to be in the Factors' Rule Book that they never return a call.
I do fully appreciate their problem with gathering money to actually carry out work. With more than half of my tenement owned by absentee landlards (deliberate typo :-)) they just want to collect rent so carrying out any repairs takes ages or the factors give up trying. They no longer put themselves in debt and claim the non payer but suggest other owners pay and sort it out themselves - which of course just does not happen.
By chance I looked up the Landlards Registry at the City Council as you are meant to be able to contact absentee landlords directly. And guess what? Only 1 was actually detailed there! Makes a mockery of anyone trying to maintain their property.
Posted by: iain469, uddingston on 4:12pm Wed 6 Feb 08
Ross and Liddel [bold]DEMAND £400 advance payment[/bold] from me for [quote]expected[/quote] works every 6 months and say they bank it in a non interest gaining account [quote]Aye Right[/quote] , they must think we are stupid or really stupid if we believed that. They never produce a plan of works to be done ( yet they want paid for [quote]expected[/quote] works ) in the upcoming year with agreed dates , as the residents can check this. Everything is retrospective and as they send out the paperwork 6 monthly, no-one can challenge the items as they were so long ago.
Has anyone ever seen proof of this non interest gaining account?.
Money would be better gaining interest which should be used to reduce payments required from "customers". They also have the most expensive buildings insurance.
I think their mission statement should be,
We at [bold]Dross and Fiddel[/bold] aim to invoice our customers in a confusing way, for very expensive work not done, and when challenged, promise to baffle our customers with lies and excuses, whilst continuing our guaranteed shoddy service .
Ross and Liddel
DEMAND £400 advance payment from me for
expected
works every 6 months and say they bank it in a non interest gaining account
Aye Right
, they must think we are stupid or really stupid if we believed that. They never produce a plan of works to be done ( yet they want paid for
expected
works ) in the upcoming year with agreed dates , as the residents can check this. Everything is retrospective and as they send out the paperwork 6 monthly, no-one can challenge the items as they were so long ago.
Has anyone ever seen proof of this non interest gaining account?.
Money would be better gaining interest which should be used to reduce payments required from "customers". They also have the most expensive buildings insurance.
I think their mission statement should be,
We at
Dross and Fiddel aim to invoice our customers in a confusing way, for very expensive work not done, and when challenged, promise to baffle our customers with lies and excuses, whilst continuing our guaranteed shoddy service .
Posted by: bluey, glasgow on 7:03pm Wed 6 Feb 08
I re-iterate my point that people are getting misty eyed about self-factoring without appreciating that the same venom directed at Factors on this forum is aimed at the poor sap who volunteers their time, effort and energy to running a self-factored close.
The type of person quick to whinge about factors and their lack of value for money is likely to be person least like to mop the stairs and most likely to resist paying despite it being anything up to 90% cheaper than the property being professionally managed.
The apathy that prevents Factored owners from sacking their Factor will be prevalent during self-factoring - i.e. something must be done now so long as it's at no cost or time to themselves.
There's a lot of huff and finger pointing towards Factors on this forum but not a lot of 'doing'. The laziness and helplessness exhibited here is why Factors are rubbing their hands together and driving BMWs. Even if the service is ****, at least THEY are enterprising.
The owners in my tenement have sabotaged any good will and community spirit that could have been generated by failing to assist in any way whatsover to sort out cleaning and maintenance over a long time-span.
Classic moments have included a lady who hadn't paid a bean moaning about the state of the stairs (caused by the dust generated when their flat was refurbished) whose cat craps in the backyard. And a guy critical about the condition of the backyard who subsequently dumped his furniture there. Others try to make the fund pay to fix problems in their own flats that they are responsible because they are unrelated to the communal area. Grown men shy away from changing a light-bulb.
Pretty pleases and polite reminders to persuade owners to pay a token sum for the service result in arrears that stretch into many years - sure, they want a professional standard of care for the property but they don't want a business-like approach when it comes to collecting the money.
Despite performing voluntary duties free of charge, the sap doing all of the work will be held to account as if they were professionally managing it and owners, who don't lift a finger or pay a bean, will be extremely rude and ungrateful.
That's the mentality that anyone contemplating self-factoring will have to contend with and what the whining on this thread reminds me of.
If absentee landlords are the problem, there are ways and means of identifying where they live and enforcing their responsibilities. Unfortunately, this requires effort and resourcefulness which is pretty absent in the one-sided whinge fest and hand-wringing that accompanies the article.
Options include identifying the residential address of landlords who have purchased Buy to Let Properties through paying the Scottish Land Registry approx £8 for ownership details or paying a tenner to a People Finder website that contains Electoral Registration information.
All landlords or their letting agents are required to provide contact details on the Scottish Landlord Registration Scheme which is being managed by local cooncils. Failing to do so can result in Rent Penalty Notices being issued to tenants or the landlord prosecuted.
For self-factored closes, it takes a few letters, 20 minutes and a few bob to take an owner to the Sheriff Court through the small claims process.
I re-iterate my point that people are getting misty eyed about self-factoring without appreciating that the same venom directed at Factors on this forum is aimed at the poor sap who volunteers their time, effort and energy to running a self-factored close.
The type of person quick to whinge about factors and their lack of value for money is likely to be person least like to mop the stairs and most likely to resist paying despite it being anything up to 90% cheaper than the property being professionally managed.
The apathy that prevents Factored owners from sacking their Factor will be prevalent during self-factoring - i.e. something must be done now so long as it's at no cost or time to themselves.
There's a lot of huff and finger pointing towards Factors on this forum but not a lot of 'doing'. The laziness and helplessness exhibited here is why Factors are rubbing their hands together and driving BMWs. Even if the service is ****, at least THEY are enterprising.
The owners in my tenement have sabotaged any good will and community spirit that could have been generated by failing to assist in any way whatsover to sort out cleaning and maintenance over a long time-span.
Classic moments have included a lady who hadn't paid a bean moaning about the state of the stairs (caused by the dust generated when their flat was refurbished) whose cat craps in the backyard. And a guy critical about the condition of the backyard who subsequently dumped his furniture there. Others try to make the fund pay to fix problems in their own flats that they are responsible because they are unrelated to the communal area. Grown men shy away from changing a light-bulb.
Pretty pleases and polite reminders to persuade owners to pay a token sum for the service result in arrears that stretch into many years - sure, they want a professional standard of care for the property but they don't want a business-like approach when it comes to collecting the money.
Despite performing voluntary duties free of charge, the sap doing all of the work will be held to account as if they were professionally managing it and owners, who don't lift a finger or pay a bean, will be extremely rude and ungrateful.
That's the mentality that anyone contemplating self-factoring will have to contend with and what the whining on this thread reminds me of.
If absentee landlords are the problem, there are ways and means of identifying where they live and enforcing their responsibilities. Unfortunately, this requires effort and resourcefulness which is pretty absent in the one-sided whinge fest and hand-wringing that accompanies the article.
Options include identifying the residential address of landlords who have purchased Buy to Let Properties through paying the Scottish Land Registry approx £8 for ownership details or paying a tenner to a People Finder website that contains Electoral Registration information.
All landlords or their letting agents are required to provide contact details on the Scottish Landlord Registration Scheme which is being managed by local cooncils. Failing to do so can result in Rent Penalty Notices being issued to tenants or the landlord prosecuted.
For self-factored closes, it takes a few letters, 20 minutes and a few bob to take an owner to the Sheriff Court through the small claims process.
Posted by: brianscottie43, Toronto, Canada on 11:41pm Wed 6 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Factor1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]brianscottie43[/bold] wrote: We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s), indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).[/quote] What happens in your system when some owners do not pay their share? That is the root of the problem here, as noted by others above who have tried to self-factor. Easier said than done successfully taking them to court, in Scotland anyway.[/quote] Good question. If the monthly charge is not made then the Condominium Corporation is legally entitled to place a lien against the unit which means the unpaid amount would be paid in full when the property is sold or sooner.
Factor1 wrote:
brianscottie43 wrote: We have an apartment (flat) ownership system in Canada known as Condominiums. One buys a unit in a building and owns everything inside the unit. Everything else in the building is "common elements" for which one pays a monthly charge, the amount of which is based on the size of one's unit. This monthly fee covers all maintenance of the building and grounds and generally covers all heating and electricity costs. Each building is legally registered under a Condominium Corporations Act which governs what the Board of Directors can so. The Board of Directors are elected from the owners so each and every decision also affects them. Each Corporation has its own byelaws and must have audited financial statements prepared for the owners each year. There is an annual meeting each year when Directors can be voted in/out of office. The system is not perfect and there are badly run buildings but from what I know it seems far better than the loose you have there. Oh, and bye the way, a two bedroom, two bathroom with full balcony,elevator(s), indoor swimming pool and games/exercise room, 24 hour concierge service, underground parking spot, party room and guest suite - $250,000 (125,000 pounds). approx).
What happens in your system when some owners do not pay their share? That is the root of the problem here, as noted by others above who have tried to self-factor. Easier said than done successfully taking them to court, in Scotland anyway.
Good question. If the monthly charge is not made then the Condominium Corporation is legally entitled to place a lien against the unit which means the unpaid amount would be paid in full when the property is sold or sooner.
Posted by: jeanbean, Glasgow on 3:12am Thu 7 Feb 08
I am a home owner of a flat bought from Scottish Homes which was taken over by Cadder Housing. My home is a lower flat with a front and back door. I do not have access to the front close nor the back close. Nor the stairs in the close. Because some of the neighbours did not take their turn of cleaning stairs and close, Cadder Housing decided to do it themselves and started to charge me for the cleaning of same. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ??? No way !!!! I have refused to pay and have contacted CAB to look into my case. Cadder Housing say they want the area to look nice therefore they want me to pay for cleaning this area. I have a large garden which I pay a gardner every 3 to 4 weeks to keep it looking nice. Should these neighbours pay towards my bill for my garnder ????????
I pay enough towards factoring bills which is actually getting worse every year and dont even know what I am paying for and everyting seems to be put down towards "Admin costs"[bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic]
I am a home owner of a flat bought from Scottish Homes which was taken over by Cadder Housing. My home is a lower flat with a front and back door. I do not have access to the front close nor the back close. Nor the stairs in the close. Because some of the neighbours did not take their turn of cleaning stairs and close, Cadder Housing decided to do it themselves and started to charge me for the cleaning of same. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ??? No way !!!! I have refused to pay and have contacted CAB to look into my case. Cadder Housing say they want the area to look nice therefore they want me to pay for cleaning this area. I have a large garden which I pay a gardner every 3 to 4 weeks to keep it looking nice. Should these neighbours pay towards my bill for my garnder ????????
I pay enough towards factoring bills which is actually getting worse every year and dont even know what I am paying for and everyting seems to be put down towards "Admin costs"
Posted by: James, London (ex-Lanarkshire!) on 8:46pm Thu 7 Feb 08
I remember my days not too long ago in East Kilbride where South Lanarkshire Council was the factor for my privately owned ex-council flat. They continually charged exhorbitant amounts of money for simple jobs, jobs that didnt need doing, or for jobs they say were done and never were. I even took them to the small claims court overa matter they refusded to back down on. The last straw was they tried to get the owners to cough up £106,000 to roughcast the front and back walls before I sold up and moved on. I then bought a new build appartment which was managed by Hacking & Paterson). I did think that things would be better as it was a private company managing the building and not the council but how wrong could I be. H & P were just as bad as the council. I would never buy another flat because of this. Well done Evening Times, it's about time someone stood up to these parasites.
I remember my days not too long ago in East Kilbride where South Lanarkshire Council was the factor for my privately owned ex-council flat. They continually charged exhorbitant amounts of money for simple jobs, jobs that didnt need doing, or for jobs they say were done and never were. I even took them to the small claims court overa matter they refusded to back down on. The last straw was they tried to get the owners to cough up £106,000 to roughcast the front and back walls before I sold up and moved on. I then bought a new build appartment which was managed by Hacking & Paterson). I did think that things would be better as it was a private company managing the building and not the council but how wrong could I be. H & P were just as bad as the council. I would never buy another flat because of this. Well done Evening Times, it's about time someone stood up to these parasites.
Posted by: Stephen, glaagow on 11:43am Tue 4 Mar 08
[bold]I have recently m,oved into the the new flats at the clydeside. We were advised by our factor that the concierge service would be going 24 hrs, total salaries alone for that is £77000 per year. Must be the best paid security guard in glasgow!!!
We are having a residents meeting next thursday at dandara to discuss our ever increasing factor billings.
I have recently m,oved into the the new flats at the clydeside. We were advised by our factor that the concierge service would be going 24 hrs, total salaries alone for that is £77000 per year. Must be the best paid security guard in glasgow!!!
We are having a residents meeting next thursday at dandara to discuss our ever increasing factor billings.
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