Subletting fee changes since 2014?

You only need 50% of the owners to agree & go down the RMT route, so you already have 1 (you) 49 to persuade. A goodl company will do all the leg work, you normally just supply accounts and they can soon see were they can save you money. Although holding a meeting with residence is a good idea

How many blocks Dylan?

Reply to the comment left by "Gary Nock" at "14/11/2016 - 19:21":

Probably 5 to 6 blocks in total. Can it be done on an individual block basis ? My block has 8 apartments and I own 2 of them so that's 25% ownership of my individual block. There is a large car park shared by 3 blocks at my end of the development. So shared by 24 flats. The other larger part of the development (the remaining 76 flats) are across the road.

Reply to the comment left by "Gary Nock" at "14/11/2016 - 19:21":

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Reply to the comment left by "Gary Nock" at "14/11/2016 - 19:21":

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On our development, we done 1 block made up of 3 separate entrances , but still 1 block. 10 flats in 3 columns, so 30 flats in total. That meant only 15 residents had to agree. We were paying £100 PCM for the service charge, we now pay £76PCM that's a 24% saving per month or £288 per annum, it's been over two years now, so the saving is multiplying all the time.

As a result of a stated case last year each block has to be an RTM in its own right. At least 50% of owners have to sign up to RTM. So if there are 3 blocks of 8 flats on one side of the road and the leases do not connect them all in the development with the 76 over the road then its possible that just the three blocks could get RTM. And SIMARC hate RTM because they lose the ability to insure the blocks and any commission. And any kickback off the managing agents. But it all depends on the leases. If the three blocks of 8 have at least 4 people in each one willing to sign up and they are structurally detached from all the others then its quite possible. But I warn you Dylan it is hard work cajoling people. I have done it on 5 schemes comprising 104 flats and reduced the service charges from £1000 a year to £670. If you get in touch through the business page on SCN Lettings I can let you know of a couple of companies that have a good track record and guide you through it. The problem comes when the flats all share "appurtenant property" like communal gardens etc. Each RTM has to have an agreement with the others to maintain the appurtenant grounds in accordance with the lease. If the appurtenant grounds are shared with the other 76 flats that's when it gets tricky. If the 3 blocks are in self contained grounds separate from the other 76 then its a lot easier.

Gary if you live in London or the south East check out Prime Managnent below, they sorted out our block and are professionals at asserting if it's possible, they only need to look through your lease and see your end of year service charge accounts. http://www.primepm.co.uk/

Their looking at managing another block for me as I write this by way of RMT.

Gary, if you don't live in their area, it's still worth visiting their web page, as it will give you an understanding if what a smaller management company can do, who don't fleece the residents.

Read link below about one of the largest management company's around and how they rip us off.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/feb/12/peverel-property-management-tenant-rebellion

Here is an extract just about Insurance costs: Some residents claim they are overcharged for buildings insurance, which is usually arranged for Peverel by its sister company Kingsborough. Residents say premiums can be as much as double the rate on the open market, driven up by commissions of up to 40% earned by Kingsborough for arranging the policies. Peverel says it regularly tenders risks to the open market and is legally allowed to obtain commission.

Hi there. What is an RTM? Thanks.