WINDOW PAIN
We’re being charged £21,500 by council to fix the WINDOWS in our tiny flat – that’s more than we make a year
Diego said leaseholders have already splashed out £20k on works, including a new lift and roof repairs, in the last five years
A COUPLE claim they're being charged by the council more than what they earn in a year to fix windows in their tiny flat.
Diego Bertoni, 40, and his partner Cristina Marin are having to fork out £21,500 because fixings in the Shepherd's Bush tower block have exceeded their lifespan.
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The leaseholders, who have a baby girl together, have been battling with west London authorities over the "unreasonable" bill during the cost of living crisis.
NHS midwife Cristina and Diego are one household out of just 25 who are required to foot the upgrade, which last happened in the 90s.
With the majority of residents in Verulam House being social tenants, they're not liable to pay for works such as new windows.
Diego said leaseholders have already splashed out £20k on works, including a new lift and roof repairs, in the last five years.
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Cristina said Hammersmith and Fulham Council should have explored "alternative, cheaper options" before leaving everyone in financial despair.
She told : "The council has no sympathy for the leaseholders.
"Paying the hefty cost of the windows over several years is unreasonable.
"This represents a financial hardship.”
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A spokesperson for the council said they are offering "sympathetic repayment options" for all leaseholders.
They said: “We are currently undertaking a £1.4 million-a-week refurbishment programme of our homes – including required upgrades to cladding and windows, roofing, structural repairs, electrical infrastructure, lift upgrades and fire safety enhancements such as fire doors, sprinklers and evacuation systems.
"We have a legal duty as a landlord to ensure our buildings are safe and kept in good repair for all residents.
“The building safety works are already being undertaken at no cost to leaseholders and they are only being requested for a 49 per cent contribution to the total costs of the work to Verulam House.
"To assist and support homeowners, the council offers sympathetic repayment options.”
What are your rights as a leaseholder?
MANY leases will contain different terms and should be checked through before agreeing to move into the property.
Every leaseholder has rights and obligations, according to the .
Rights as a leaseholder:
- Peaceful enjoyment of the property
- Reasonable access to the common parts of the building and/or grounds
- Support, shelter and protection from the other parts of the building
- Access to all utilities and service media in respect of their own property
- To have the common parts kept in a good state of repair and redecoration
- To benefit from services that are specified in the lease
Obligations as a leaseholder:
- To pay ground rent
- To pay a proportion of the service charge, usually in advance of the accounting year
- To contribute towards any reserve fund, either regularly, or at the time of re-sale or both
- To keep their own flat in a good state of repair and decoration;
- To meet the cost of any damage they have caused to the common parts or grounds
- To allow the landlord or manager access to the flat in respect of repairs or in emergencies
- Not to use the flat for either commercial purposes or for unsuitable activities
- Not to make excessive noise or cause nuisance to neighbours or visitors
- Not to make structural alterations to the flat without the prior consent of the landlord
- Not to sublet the flat without the prior consent of the landlord
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