Why a Residents Association?

The initial aims are:

  • To improve communication for all residents at Benedicts Wharf:
    • Keep everyone updated on issues such as Fire Safety, Maintenance, Security etc.
  • Compile a central list of any issues reported:
    • Keep in regular contact with the Managing Agent about these issues and progress.
    • Ensure issues are not reported multiple times.
    • Identify problems we can fix ourselves.
  • Organise regular meetings and events:
    • Updates for residents and leaseholders.
    • Make new residents feel welcome.
    • Get to know your neighbours.
    • Other social events and activities e.g. coffee mornings, parent/carers group, bike rides and bike maintenance…

Next, if there is enough interest from the leaseholders (flat owners):

  • Form an association: adopt a constitution, appointing initial Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer from the leaseholders.
  • Apply to become the Recognised Tenants Association (RTA).

Recognition gives the association the legal right to:

  • Request information about service charge costs from the landlord, including accounts and receipts.
  • Be consulted on the appointment of a managing agent.
  • Be notified by the landlord of proposed major works and receive copies of estimates.
  • Nominate contractors to carry out the works, which the landlord must consider.
  • Appoint a surveyor for the purposes of a management audit.

The RTA would also be able to help with many other issues via collective action: 1)

  • Lobby for change on major issues of concern to the whole community.
  • Inform residents of their rights under the law and in particular, under the Landlord and Tenant related legislation.
  • Maintain relations with the Managing Agent and Landlord.
  • Exert pressure upon the landlord or its agent to maintain an appropriate standard of decoration and maintenance to the interior and exterior of buildings, and at reasonable cost.
  • Exert pressure on the landlord or its agent to carry out regular inspections and timely maintenance of, and at reasonable cost, the building’s plant, equipment, wiring and other common services.
  • Assist individual residents with problems they may be having with the landlord/managing agent.
  • Protect the welfare, comfort and enjoyment of the tenancies of the residents.
  • … etc.
All of this is to make Benedicts Wharf a well-managed, nicer place to live, and for residents to have a collective voice.

If you live in or own a flat at Benedicts Wharf, you should have a say.

Help us work towards making Benedicts Wharf a place we will all be proud to call home.

1)
FPRA