Q |
We’ve heard you’ve sold the business. |
A |
Yes, Johnson Cooper was sold on 23rd Nov 2005 to Erinaceous Group plc. |
Q |
Who is Erinaceous Group? |
A |
Erinaceous Group plc provide clients in both the public and private sectors with a "one-stop shop" for services related to ownership, design, construction, management, insurance and maintenance of property. It covers a broad range of activities including services in the fields of residential lettings, building consultancy and housing management.
Providing innovative services and solutions to both the private and public sectors for residential and commercial property, Erinaceous aim to be the provider of choice.
With strong customer focus, commitment to service and innovation, we work in partnership with a diverse range of clients, adding value and implementing total property solutions. |
Q |
Are you our Management Company? |
A |
No. We are managing agents appointed by either your Management Company or sometimes the freeholder/lessor under a lease (who is our client), to administer the day-to-day running of the estate or building and grounds (where applicable), of which your property forms a part. Our responsibilities usually include preparing Service/ Maintenance Charge budgets for the provision of services you have contracted to contribute towards, implementing those services as agent for our client, collecting charges on behalf of our client, and organising payment of contractors and service providers. |
Q |
From time to time I receive an application for payment of Service/Maintenance Charge. What is it for? |
A |
The amount reflected on an application for payment is to cover the assessed anticipated cost, or balancing charge, attributable to the provision of services you have contracted to contribute towards. Typically these might include (but may not be limited to) window cleaning, gardening, communal areas electricity, minor repairs, buildings insurance, management and accountancy fees, etc, varying depending on whether you occupy a flat or a house. |
Q |
How are Service/Maintenance Charge applications calculated? |
A |
An analysis of the cost of providing services is prepared (a 'budget'), based on past expenditure and known/anticipated future expenditure requirements for any given financial period, on which basis Service/Maintenance Charge applications are calculated. |
Q |
Why do I have to pay Service/Maintenance Charge? |
A |
Because you have contracted to pay certain charges which are usually set out in your Lease (flats, and sometimes houses) or Transfer of Part (more usually houses). |
Q |
What happens to the Service/Maintenance Charge monies I pay you? |
A |
Service/Maintenance Charge monies received are deposited in a Client Trust account. Each client account is entirely separate one from another and also entirely separate from any business accounts operated by Johnson Cooper. |
Q |
What happens if I do not settle my Service/Maintenance Charge application payable or withhold payments? |
A |
If you do not settle your Service/Maintenance Charge application on time it may not be possible to provide services for the building or estate of which your property forms a part. In such instances our client may instruct us to recover amounts outstanding from you through whatever means are most appropriate. |
Q |
I have queries that need answering/I am experiencing difficulties in paying. |
A |
If you have a query or are in difficulties with payment, please contact us at the earliest opportunity and we will endeavour to assist with clarification or advice. Whilst we are pleased to do this you should be aware that we do not have authority to reduce or amend individual charges applying. |
Q |
Who pays the Service/Maintenance Charge if I sub-let my property? |
A |
If you sub-let your property it will remain your responsibility as the registered owner to discharge the cost of services as reflected on any application for payment. You must ensure that we and any other interested party are made aware of your alternative correspondence address, and of any agent appointed to administer your affairs in your absence. |
Q |
I am in the process of selling my property/I anticipate selling my property soon. Do I still have to pay the Service/Maintenance Charge? |
A |
The Service/Maintenance Charge will need to be settled in full to the end of the appropriate current period, before the sale may proceed. Your Solicitor will then calculate a pro-rata adjustment on the amount paid and upon your instruction may proceed to reclaim the appropriate amount from the purchaser. |
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Further information will be posted on this page in due course but in the meantime we may be contacted on
Tel: 01268 706600 |
