Service Charges Seminar

While I was in Southampton yesterday I talked to Robert Wassall about a free service charges seminar that we have been thinking about for some time.  It seems to me that service charges are an area where many housing providers have difficulties establishing robust mechanisms to collect and collate the right sort of information and the legal aspects of service charges can be a minefield! 

We’re planning a free seminar in the Spring that will be a comprehensive summary of the issues that affect landlords setting up and maintaining robust service charge systems.  We’ll also cover the various elements that would feature in a checklist.

Robert will cover the legal aspects, such as the requirements to consult under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and also cover case law.  I will go through the practical issues in setting up and maintaining compliant systems.

If you’re interested in attending let Robert or me know. The venue will be Southampton and the date will probably be around mid to late April.

Peter

Small Housing Associations

I attended at meeting of small housing associations yesterday. It was hosted by Robert Wassall at Blake Lapthorn Solicitors and was atteded by a number of small housing associations in and around Hampshire. It was interesting to hear of the issues facing small associations and surprising to hear of the number of associations with development aspirations that are asking how do they go about seeking grant etc.

It seems that in times when development generally is reducing due to the financial climate there is potential in smaller associations, many of which have significant funds available, either from reserves or through the equity in their stock, to fill the gap. However, many of these associations have difficulty accessing the skills and resources necessary to develop.

Despite these obstacles several of those present were persevering to undertake small developments.

If you are interested in attending the next meeting of these smaller associations please get in touch with me or Robert. We’re hoping to have a speaker from the TSA at the next meeting being planned for May/June.

Peter