GreenSquareAccord’s
(Un)affordable Housing
Residents of GreenSquareAccord are facing an alarming situation as recent letters detail significant increases in service charges. These notifications reveal that the housing provider has exceeded budget limits, resulting in unexpected costs being passed onto tenants. This scenario raises critical questions about financial management, accountability, and the rights of residents within the housing system.
A Breakdown of Some Shocking Costs
The figures outlined in the correspondence are both shocking and troubling. Residents now confront the following charges:
Lift Repairs £28,000 - For lifts they failed to maintain!
Ongoing Day-to-Day Repairs £16,000 - For repairs they don’t complete!
Emergency Lighting £9,000 - That isn’t working!
Management Administration Costs £7,000 - For inadequate communication and record-keeping!
Communal Cleaning £5,000 - Raising concerns about service efficiency and the number of visits!
Refuse Charges £322 - For rubbish removal, despite ongoing fly-tipping issues due to inadequate bin storage!
These charges prompt a serious question, how can these costs be justified, and why should residents bear the financial burden for mismanagement?
The Importance of Section 20 Compliance
One key issue in this situation is the absence of a Section 20 Notice. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, a Section 20 notice is required when landlords intend to carry out major works that will result in costs exceeding £250 per tenant. This legal requirement mandates that landlords must:
Inform Tenants in Advance Residents must be notified of the proposed works and associated costs before any charges are applied.
Provide a Detailed Breakdown The notice should include a clear explanation of why the charges are being levied and how they were calculated.
Allow for Resident Feedback Tenants should have the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions, and contest the necessity of such charges before they are finalised.
If GreenSquareAccord expects residents to cover a shortfall of £28,000 for lift repairs (for example), approximately £666.67 per resident, it is imperative that they provide a Section 20 notice beforehand. The absence of this notice raises significant concerns about the legality of the charges and the potential erosion of trust between the housing provider and the residents.
Understanding Section 22 -Transparency in Service Charges
In addition to Section 20, residents should also be aware of Section 22 of the same Act. A Section 22 notice requires landlords to provide a detailed breakdown of service charges. Key aspects include:
Detailed Disclosure Landlords must clarify how service charges are calculated, specifying the services included and the rationale behind the charges.
Clarity and Transparency Such transparency is vital for helping residents understand their financial obligations and reinforces the need for accountability in fund management.
Enabling Residents to Contest Charges With a clear understanding of the charges, residents are better positioned to challenge any discrepancies or unjustified fees.
If you believe you have been charged unfairly or simply want to verify the accuracy of your charges, you can download a Section 20- & 22 request template below.
Community Response - The Call for Action
This issue is not isolated, it extends beyond individual residents as more voices across the GSA network come forward with similar concerns. Residents must unite to advocate for change.
Have you been impacted by these rising costs? If so, connecting with fellow residents is essential, there is support from organisations like SHAC.
The Need for Accountability
The absence of apologies from Ruth Cooke, alongside recent comments following findings from the Housing Ombudsman, highlights the necessity for accountability. Holding housing providers accountable is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring fair treatment of residents.
Residents must continue to advocate for transparency and voice their concerns. As major stakeholders in the community, it is imperative to demand better management and clearer communication to prevent the costs of mismanagement from being passed onto tenants.
Moving Forward Together
In these challenging times, it is crucial for residents to remain informed and engaged. By voicing concerns and advocating for transparency, the community can work towards a fairer housing environment.
The voices of residents must be heard, and advocacy efforts must be directed toward fair treatment. Together, we can strive for accountability and demand the respect we deserve in our housing community.
Conclusion
Residents of GreenSquareAccord and other housing providers need to understand their rights concerning service charges and the implications of Sections 20 and 22. By remaining vigilant and informed, we can collectively advocate for the changes needed to ensure fair treatment and responsible management within the housing system.