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.