I I bought a new Barratt ground floor flat in 2007, when speaking to their representative she said amongst other things, that as it was a whole new development there would be a monthly service charge for the upkeep of the area, it would also cover the buildings insurance, window cleaning and servicing on the apartment block. She advised that this would be around £40.00 per month. This seemed reasonable however once I had moved in i found out that the management company I paid the fee to would make a charge to pay them in any way other than sending a cheque in addition to this they would only accept a monthly payment plan of 6 months which doubled the monthly payments. Coupled with the fact that this fee is written into the lease it has to be paid on their terms.
There were a few problems when I moved in like the intercom and door entry system not working, no gardens to upkeep and the block and surrounding area dirty and untidy due to further properties being built. Myself and a few other residents tried to complain and speak to the management company about the problems but were fobbed off with the person needed being out of the office, so we decided not to pay the fee.
I was going through a difficult time at that point and struggled to pay the charges anyway, but once it started it was seemingly impossible to stop. They referred all debts straight to their own recovery department and trying to agree terms to pay over a 12 month period was unacceptable they also added additional charges which made the debt completely out of reach.
Eventually they sent a letter saying they had notified my mortgage company and they agreed to put the debt on my balance with them, I felt this was my only option at the time so agreed to do it, not really realising the full picture of what was happening. The Mortgage Company would only put the debt on the balance following a county court hearing; I had no idea what to do and did not know where to turn to. I had other problems at the time and was in a bit of a mess. The court case went ahead in some place down south and I ended up with a county court judgement and over £4000 added to the balance of my mortgage.
This whole thing happened again the following year coupled with losing my job, so again difficult to get out of the hole I was in. However head down and got a job and a second job and started to speak to all who wanted money I agreed payments with everyone who were all sympathetic to my situation, all but the management company, they still insist on repaying the bill over 6 months and charging for all methods of payment other than cheque. I have managed to avoid court this year but have ended up having to pay over £400 more and will start next years by sending a cheque in January.
How can this be fair I feel completely helpless these people have a complete hold over the whole situation there is no negotiation no reasoning just pay in 6 months by cheque or we charge you more then we take you for 6 times more than the original cost.
