Find A Friend, Fight As One
By admin | September 18th, 2010 | Category: Past Articles | 39 commentsWe thought we’d dedicate a post to comments posted yesterday by TTAS contributor ‘David Miles’, about fighting PPMG (OM Property) en masse
As we have seen of late, there have been a number of LVT’s that have been fought by residents, whom judges have voted in favour of and won their case.
Fighting as a single development is fantastic, but what if ‘we’ all fought as one?
In our local areas, we’re pretty sure that we have all seen new developments being built and there is a high probability that OM Property Management or a PPMG guise could be managing them.
Therefore, as ‘David Miles’ and ‘Adam Waite’ who have aired their concerns on TTAS and found that their developments are near each other, they are considering meeting.
Imagine if TTAS could act as a ‘meeting place’ and link these development together, so that there is an even stronger case / demand from residents?
Suddenly, PPMG could not only lose one development in a case, but multiple developments!
Adding further pressure on cash flow, balance sheets and more importantly – profits.
This concept applies to everyone: leasehold, freehold and retirement properties.
In the eyes of a judge, surely PPMG could not, not be found guilty if other developments reported the same problems, leaving a common denominator as to where the problems lay.
Based on the above, we’d like to use this thread as a way of introducing contributors.
So if you are fed up with any of the PPMG (OM Property Management) guises or are going through RTM / LVT, please add a comment below with your postcode (not your full one to protect your identity) but just the first part e.g: LU2, we’d also like to know if you are going through or considering LVT / RTM and any other comments.
Hopefully, this will help others identify neighbouring developments and help them work together.
CF11 – Would welcome anyone else who is in Cardiff to make contact. Have many issues with poor service from the Peverel bunch. The idea of a developments getting together is a brilliant idea.
SE16 – South East London. Am still doing the background work re. RTM / LVT. But as they say many hands make light work so would appreciate any help – local or otherwise, advice or even just someone to bounce some ideas off! As I said this is EXACTLY what Solitaire / Peverel / CBG have been trying to stop for years now – pple getting together!
Pls email Admin for my contact email.
Admin pls feel free to pass on my details to anyone who may wish to request it, thanks (…and great idea!)
SY1 – James went to Court on Friday and the decision by the Judge has transferred this to the LVT. Mine is going to LVT. The Judge also said that the 2 cases be heared at the same time.
David Miles – ME16 – establishing recognised Residents Association & voting to put all matters for LVT, RTM, etc into the hands of Landmark, & giving Solitaire the treatment that they deserve – our patience has run out – contact is ‘davidmiles at spamarrest dot com’
Just wanted to say how glad I am that David Miles is on my development. I sit back and listen to all the “Tosh” (I believe is a word that “Andy” uses) coming from solitairepeveralompropertymanagementlyingrobbersfromhell or whatever they are called. Our development has received nothing from them except disrespect, disregard and disinterest. Luckily, David Miles along with many others here will get rid of them or die trying. We are so lucky that we have a group of professionals living here such as solicitors accountants etc, all of which have the ability to laugh in the face of their “Accounts & Invoices”. I say, the battles begun and we will win the war.
Dear all,
I too believe that this is a cracking idea and that the information you can share with one another can bolster any cases you may have with your Freeholders and their Managing Agents. This thread will be particularly important when you consider the larger estates with multiple, separate blocks and could facilitate the percentage requirements to trigger the likes of the RTM, Collective Enfranchisement or even the little known Management Audit (Requiring 66% Leaseholder signup).
One note of caution however … think more Leasehold Title challenging Freehold title when it comes to this type of law. The grievance may be with the individual or group however the actual abuse of process and law sits with the title in land. This is also a useful mantra when building an LVT case as the LVT panel is not interested in the emotive, only the factual and evidenced. Accordingly, whilst you may freely share angles, witness statements, useful tips etc, you will be prevented by the structure of the titles by bringing joint actions against Freeholders unless the properties are related directly by title. For example, 3 blocks of 3 on the same south London estate is fine but you couldn’t link say 1 Newcastle and 1 Cardiff case together.
Otherwise, happy hunting!
James Butler Esq – Director
GL51 (Cheltenham). Would welcome any news from other Solitaire / Peverel / OM developments in my neck of the woods (of which I’m sure there are plenty).
KT16 – We have a recognised RA but it is a bit slow moving, I am personally preparing for LVT and hope to gain support from the people in my development. I am awaiting findings from Landmark before advising the residents.
If anyone else is reading from my area then please ask Admin for my details, I am happy for them to be passed on.
GU22 – I would be interested in looking at this the other way. We won our RTM in April and are now fighting an LVT case, and would love to be able to offer help and support to other blocks. Maybe I will run out of steam, but at the moment I am still so angry with Peverel the small chunk of personal compensation in an LVT decision will not be enough. I do not expect them to have the decency to apologise either.
I already contaced one directly, but there are many other blocks in this area where Peverel Group are the lessor and the property manager.
Is there a register somewhere of the all the properties they run ?
I’m still trying to drum up support from our development on the Hants / Berks border and would appreciate any help from anyone who’s already been down this road. I’ve started the correspondence but it’s early days.
Barratts is currently building a number of new developments around Canada Water and PPMG will be the management agent. I am wondering:
1. Whether PPMG actually provide a service to those new properties/
2. Whether the buyers actually know that they are managed by PPMG and their track record.
3. Why Barratts keep choosing PPMG to be the management agent, despite the reputation?
4. I have asked the Maple Quays Sales people and they told me there is NO financial arrangement between Barratts and PPMG.
I seem to remember asking sometime ago if we could get a list of all the Peverel Estates, this is a very good way of getting us together. very well done! The postcode for me is WD25 but the other side of the cracks in the brickwork the postcode is FU2 OM
If anybody can find a list of all Solitaire / Peverel / OM estates, it would be very useful. Of course, any information such as this currently available online (if there is any) will probably quickly disappear if/when it is advertised on this website, once somebody “has a word”…..
Re. the comment from “will” about the new Canada Water developments, it would be interesting to know if any prospective purchasers there back out when they do a bit of research on PPMG. Don’t quite know how we could ever establish if this happens, but if Barratts (or any other developer) started to realise that they were losing prospective purchasers as a result of PPMG’s continuing bad press, then perhaps said developers might start to re-consider who they appoint as their managing agents…???
Have a property in DE14 burton on trent managed by Solitaire. Half yearly rent demand came last week and has gone up 20%. This is a great idea, I am an accountant hence I know that their costs breakdowns are a load of tosh but all my conversations with them have resulted in me putting the phone down in disgust. Happy to canvass support on our development. Interestingly demand still came from Solitaire so name change etc not gone through yet.
Dear all,
After a great fight and so much support from you all, and a very big thank you to Laura (what you sent was wonderful) It is time for me to end my campaign against Solitaire/Peverel.
I now have to move on to another campaign which will have to take absolute priority. I hope that Peverel are not too relieved by my announcement.
As Vera Lynn, said ” we will meet Again”
I wish all of you much success for the future. Thank You.
Dear All.
Now that i have ended my campaign against Solitaire/Peverel, i have more time for my new campaign against OM Property Management.
I thought Andy and the rest of the crew who “reeds” my posts that another Estate is about to kick off. You think you have problems now, just wait!
Whilst writing this post i am happily chomping on a White chocolate Magnum. It is loaded with 2600 calories which can be digested at the rate of 780 calories a second. “Do ya feel lucky? Well do ya punk(firm?)
@will – If you live by those developments, why not “pop in” on a weekend and announce to all who are looking that they are about to engage with PPMG, perhaps hand out some flyers with this websites address?
Michael Epstein,
‘I know what you’re thinking. “Did he fire six shots or only five?” Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself.’
Michael,
Please tell – did you really, really get your Valuation?
Surely Andy being the helpful person that he is, sent it to you. I cannot believe it wasn’t Andy, he helps everyone.
I wish you a lot of luck with OM. Trying to get info out of them is like trying to get blood out of a stone.
Keep the campaign going – you’ll get there in the end.
I’m in the Reading area and there are many, many developments managed by OM/Peverel here.
We could all meet up in the Oracle shopping centre down by the Riverside.
Any takers?
@bushbrother – i dont actually live at those new developments and I suspect its too late when they have actually moved in. We need to ensure the potential buyers are aware of all the issues BEFORE they purchase the flats. Once they have bought the flats I dont think Barratts will be too interested in what they think of Solitaire (just like all the blocks where we are currently staying in!)
Neil,
I think according to OM they only fired 5 shots, however,being OM, they charged for 6 shots!
Foxy Lady,
Of course i have not got my valuation!
This Oracle Centre is that near the sign that says London M4?
If so, that is my favourite part of Reading!
If we all met up we could be your White Knights( for those that do not know, that is an internal Reading Joke)
Actually, many years ago i saw a wonderful concert near Reading.
It was headlined by Sonning and Cher!
Hi,
I am North Leeds area, but haven’t left my postcode as it is a small part of North Leeds and I don’t think there are many other PPMG developments in the area. I am also interested in this idea and I believe my neighbours would be too. I have has several problems with OM Property Management the latest of which was not receiving my management fee because it went to the wrong address, and have been threatened with court action. As if that’s not bad enough I had the same problem last year and have been telling them to change my details ever since which they have failed to do hence the same prblem being encountered this year.
On a slightly positive note, I have been in contact with Andy@solitaire, whose email I got from this web site, and he has always been very prompt in responding and has elicited action from the unbelievably disorganised OM Property Management.
I am sick to death of dealing with this company and their inadequacies.
Morning,
If they do take you to court with the wrong address the claim and you disclose this to Peverel and the court, the matter will be thrown out.
In your case you can bring a counter claim based on the fact that you have given them prior communications that you address had changed. You can charge Peverel directly for your time and efforts to resolve this matter.
Also ask them to refund all admin charges that they have added to your account by now, also the PDC debt collection fee. Ask them to take it out of their own profits not the developments trust account, this is because as the managing agent they have the responsibility of billing you correctly.
I was told a few years ago Peverel had about 20 developments in the Reading area. I know a couple have managed to get rid of them, although one is a little unhappy because they have jumped out of the frying pan into the fire ( they have gone to a mini Peverel!!).
Michael Epstein:
Our youngest son was a White Knight but has now gone on to rescue a damsel in distress over the other side of the pond.
The last I heard, Cher was doing pretty Cherwell and Sonning was meandering along the Thames!
South East London – Have been trying to get information (or any sort of reply) out of Solitaire for months. Anything collective can only be good. They do not seem to take any notice of individuals at all. Our block building insurance is outrageous! I used to have quite a good relationship with Solitaire before they were taken over by Peveral and they instigated the stupid telephone system, when you can wait for ages for anyone to speak to (not good when calling from outside UK). They will not let me have a direct email address for our property manager….the whole thing is so frustrating!!! We are, after all, supposed to be their customers…..ermmmm…I dont think so!!!!!
@jenni – Your PM’s email is firstname.surname@ompropertymanagement.co.uk (well, it will be soon!) but that will not get you much further, they still take forever to reply …
Hi jennni
I have read your posting and wanted to let you know that I am genuinely here to help find a resolution to your problems with Solitaire. I am currently helping ‘Nic’, another poster on this forum, with her problems.
We manage a large number of properties, so in order to investigate I do need to identify who you are and the development that your issues relate to.
If you can let me have as much information about the problems at your development including your customer reference number I can quickly bring it to the attention of the Solitaire senior property management team.
Where customers have genuine concerns we always investigate and seek to resolve the situation. We treat any complaint we receive extremely seriously and we always suggest people follow our Customer Complaints procedure. Full details of the procedure can be found on our website [NO WEBLINKS ALLOWED]. The procedure can be downloaded from the bottom of the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.
As regular posters know my direct email address is [NO E-MAIL ADDRESSES ALLOWED]
I do hope you will get in touch.
Thanks
Andy
Solitaire Online Feedback Manager
Jenni + Bushbrother
I sussed out some time ago the email format. Or did I read it here? Either way it didn’t matter as, although the email never bounced, she never replied.
ours is RM1 in Essex. would be good to hear from others in the local area to build a case. As with everyone else, they do not take any notice of a single voice.
I’m in WD24.
Moved in in 2003, was originally paying £879 pa. In the 7 years since, the service has actually got less & the price has nearly doubled.
They charged over £700 for “additional redecoration”, surely in order for it to be “additional” they would have had to have conducted some from the annual maintenance fee we pay?
They never have.
They charge us buildings insurance in the annual fee, but now that a coping stone has needed replacing, there’s an additional charge per property of £165. So what are we paying insurance for!?
Peverel OM took me to court to get their fees after I refused to pay them.
They are complete crooks and cowboys, the sooner they go bust or just clear off, the better!
RM6
About to explode very shortly.
Hammer – have asked Admin to give you my e-mail address.
May I echo what Worth posted on this link. it is important that you look at technicallities and exploit them if you are going to defend yourself.
Watchout for our new guidance / news page which will be up and running in the next few weeks. You will be able to link to our Facebook site, download guidance notes and view key links / articles which we identify in the course of our day to day business. We will also be ramping up our marketing over the next few weeks to draw together further leaseholders across the country and will hopefully have a BBC slot on Exit Fees in November also.
We have also taken advertising space in the News on the Block Magazine and their awards magazine, The Oldie magazine and will shortly be back up on forums such as the ever present and ever brilliant TTAS.
Fingers crossed we can widen our approach to benefit a far wider audience. I am confident that the wider sector will be very interested to see the organisation with which the TTAS contributors are approaching a fragmented sector and can learn many lessons in this regard.
Kind regards,
James Butler Esq – Director
A few points about paying you service charge that we have posted on the Carlex UK blog which might be helpful.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 Chapter 70, section 20 & 21A clearly states that a tenant may withhold payment of a service charge if you do not receive;
1.a written statement of the service charges.
2.a written cost break down relating to those service charges, with a certificate from a qualified accountant giving the opinion that the statement is fair in their opinion.
3.a summary of the rights and obligations of tenants dwellings in relation to service charges.
4.if you have advised the landlord / property management company of a change of address that all documents are to be sent to and they do not, you have a right to withhold payment.
5. If you receive the statement of your service charge after 6 months after the end of its accounting period, sections 20.9 /20.10, you may withhold payment.
Please Note:
1. you can not be charged late payment fee’s, debt collector fee’s or legal fees under section 21A.5 of the Landlord and tenants act 1985 when withholding payment because of points 1,2,4,5 and 21B.4 in relation to point 3 above.
2. you may not withhold payment if the service charge has been determined by a leasehold valuation tribunal. Please check exactly what was determined because it might not relate to the whole service charge.
Carlex UK
Andy M
Welcome aboard, we are WD25 and we also have loads of evidence (on you know who), is your property manager the same as ours, absolutely useless, they want to start training the old managers in property maintenance because there bodge jobs on this estate would make your hair curl & they charge top dollar for (crack) O, I should have said crap, they know what I mean.
Hi
I’m in E1W in London. Wondering if Carlex comment above about withholding the service charge if the end of year accounts are more than 6 months delayed might apply to me.
End of year here is 30 of Sep each year and we have still not received end of year account statements and requests for a balancing charge for 2008/2009. So does this mean that when/if Solitaire do send out the YE statements I can refuse to pay?
Thanks
hi laura,
have not heard anything from admin. Admin – please pass my contact details on to Laura.
Thanks
Pending lvt in Cardiffwith regards to Peverel also known as Consort
IG11
Anyone interested in fighting Peverel please be in touch.
Colin
I think I know someone perhaps you can send your details through ADMIN