Laurel Manor Right to Manage Company Ltd.
Laurel Manor Freehold Ltd.
Chairman's Report at 2023 AGM
Dear Leaseholder,
We are now well clear of the effects of Covid but are plagued with rapidly rising costs. As ever, the Board continues to meet regularly. Our principal objectives are twofold:-
... to keep progressing the maintenance of the Estate, and
... there are constant issues to deal with bought about by the behaviour of residents and the two most raised topics (apart from the building fabric) are parking and rubbish dumping.
Working with Harrow Management we have continued to undertake repairs to the Estate in addition to the routine maintenance. Some points are worth noting:
The building fabric is causing concern with brickwork and repairs ongoing. We are now giving this priority on our use of funds, and it does impact costs significantly.
We have continued with looking after the grounds both with annual tree pruning work ivy/shrubbery clearance and we are steadily looking to improve the appearance.
There have been/are some specific concerns with some flats. We have, and continue to, act against leaseholders of flats where there is poor or even dangerous maintenance which is the responsibility of the leaseholder.
As a reminder to Leaseholders, no alterations either internal or external are allowed without permission from the Laurel Manor board. All requests to be made to Harrow.
We have carried out some internal re-decoration which were necessary but have concluded that as more modern materials last longer than when built. The lease requirement for redecoration [every 3 years (external) -5 years (internal common areas)] should be relaxed. Work will now be carried out when the decoration is deteriorating. Cleaning of the external cladding will be undertaken shortly.
Without listing ALL that has been done, other issues dealt with include:
Fire door handles have been replaced to make them easier to use.
Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting. has been inspected - some redial work was required.
Potholes in the drive are to be repaired.
Dampness in some flats has been investigated and found to be caused by condensation. Automatic humidity-controlled fans are recommended.
Please ensure that rubbish not specified by the Council for collection is disposed of privately. NOT placed in the bin area, where it becomes 'DUMPED RUBBISH' which we dispose of with all leaseholders picking up the bill. This particularly occurs when tenants move out. If we identify the flat in question the leaseholder will be billed. Littering, particularly Cigarette butts, are becoming a problem -Tenants need to be told this is unacceptable.
Estate rules are available on the Laurel Manor website Laurel Manor- Freehold and Lease. These apply equally to leaseholders and their tenants and form part of the legal requirements of your lease. Where a flat is sublet these rules must be provided to your tenant and a copy of your lease conditions included in your tenancy agreement.
I ask that leaseholders, particularly those who are residents, seriously consider joining the Board of Directors to help guide the management of the estate. My thanks to all who help in the management of the estate (Ted, James, Celina, Andy; aided by Alistair, Emad, Pauline and Vladimir; and Mark plus all at Harrow Management.)
I hope we will see you at the AGM.
Chris Ball - Chair