ArmAGUIDANCE
Howtobeagreat leaseHolder
advisory note
Moving froMa house to aflatmay sometimesbeaculture shockifyou’ve never lived in such close proximity to other peoplebefore. Formanyofusaflat is ourfirst
property.Atthe otherend of thespectrum, many older people choose to downsize and buyaflat in order to keepmaintenanceand gardeningtoaminimum.Otherssimply enjoyleaseholdlife. They canconfirmthat living in aflat canbejustaspleasantas owning a house if neighbours respect the need to consider each otherwhen living side by side or on top of each otherand sharing communal facilities.Hereare sometips fromARMAon howto be a considerate leaseholder.
WaterleaksThese are themost common cause of damage andinsurance claims in blocks of flats. If going away formorethan48
hours then turn off the water at thestopcock in your
flat.Many managing agents will askyou for
thecontact detailsofanemergency key holder just in casethere is aleakwhileyou areaway. Please cooperateandmake sure a neighbour knows howto contact you.
or paraffin heatersinyour
flatoronbalconies.Never light a barbecue on your balcony.
2 fire evacuations
Do notblock landings and hallways with bicycles, prams, toys or rubbish sacks. They are
dangerousincase of fireand atrip hazard foryour neighbours and visitors.
44
firesafety Do notstore
petrol,calor gas 6 10 4
chutes
provided.Donot dump largeitemsforothersto disposeof; telephoneyour localcouncil.Ensureyou comply with anyrecycling arrangements.
securityAlways make sure the main door to the
block is locked. Do not let anyone in through a door entrysystemoralocked communal entrydoorifyou do not know them.
In this advisory note,ARMA identifies 21 ways tomake leaseholdlifejustthatlittlebit more enjoyablefor you, your
neighbours and your block manager
refusePut your rubbish in therefusebinsor
7 9 and your blockmanager
satellite dishesand cabletvMost leases do not
allowthe fitting of dishes by
leaseholders. Ask your agentwhether
acommunaldishispossible.Cable TV to a block will need cables to be routed throughcommunalareas so youwill need to ask for permission.
insuranceThe building will be insured by your landlord but youshouldinsureyourown contents. Domake sure your
contents insuranceincludescover if aleak fromyour flatdamages thecontentsof your neighbours’flatsbecauseyou will be liable forany damage caused.Ifyou will be away fromyour flatfor morethan30days andthe flatwillbeempty it is normalthat your propertymanagerorRMCwill have to inform the insurers. Please let the agent know.Ifyou do notitislikelyany claim for damage to your flatwillbedisallowed.
gasservicing If you have a gas boiler in your flat do getitservicedannually
PetsTherewillusuallybe restrictions in your leaseabout
pets andnormallyyou will need to getpermissionfrom thelandlord or management companytokeepdogs, cats and other more exotic pets.
agentswillaskyou forthecontactdetails ofanemergency keyholder
Manymanaging
servicechargesPay themon timeandso maintainthe cashflow
needed to provide theservices andrepairs that you and your neighbours want, lease permitting.
Autumn2012 Flat Living
by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If thereisaproblemit will notjustaffect you and could cause a serious incident.
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