Updating post from Reddit.
I'm currently living in a 12 flat block that is managed by Firstport, where I'm being charged around £2400 a year for pretty p0or service and the charges only seem to be climbing higher every year on top of what ever additional fees Firstport seems to be able to get away with. The block itself is pretty simple, with no lift, gym etc, where the only addition to the block itself if a small garden, a bike store and some bin stores. As myself and the other residents are pretty fed up, we considering getting RTM for the property and kicking Firstport out and replacing them with another management company to hopefully improve things. For those who have replaced Firstport through RTM, did you find your service charge fees decrease by much? And overall would you say it was worth it?
My advice is get rid of Firstport ASAP!!!
Firstport should be the Lastport!
Have had major issues with first port when they reduced the service level in breach of contract. If you can get rid of first port do. Am pretty sure you wud get better value with RTM.
Expect first port to make getting RTM as difficult as possible. A web search of others experiences may be useful.
Firstport have a very poor reputation as a property management company. So your experience is not a surprise
RTM would be better as the owners of ther 12 flats would have control of decision making regarding the cost of service, who the contractor is appointed for cleaning etc and can hold the contractors accountable for poor service. You also do away with the management service charge.
I think the pros outweight the cons of having a RTM for sure. If you list what you are getting / charged for, then others can share whether it is reasonable.
For a basic no frills management, i expect to see management fees, communal cleaning, communal electricity, garden upkeep, minimal repair / maintenance , door entry system / security if present and building insurance. £2,400 isn't that bad but would like to know what was the amount in the past 3 years as you said it climbs higher every year.
When I moved in a couple of years ago, the service charge was around £1800. I live in the South West, and the price for similar properties in the area seems to be around £1400 ATM. I know a few of the leaseholders are trying to sell in my block, but are struggling as the high service charge for the property is putting people off
ok, gone up by 33% in 2 years which is higher than average increase. Do you know what is driving that increase ?
Ok, if similar properties are paying £1,400 per year for service charge, then something is not right for you to be paying £1k more for the same thing.
If there are only 12 flats in a single block, do it yourself. Honestly, running a small block is very simple. Once you have your cleaners and gardeners in place it almost takes care of itself. Then you can have all your maintenance done by whoever you choose without paying a premium to a management company. I did it for 15 years. If I can, anyone can.