Property Management Company - Billing for unauthorised work

[DoubleSix]

I had my annual invoice through for management fees today RE an apartment I rent out in a development of 40 or so properties.

The invoice contained an item - £220 for broadband infrastructure upgrade.

Now I am not very happy about this as I have given no permission for such a cost to be incurred and as far as I'm concerned the broadband is perfectly adequate.

I remember they sent a slightly grovelling letter last year asking people to contribute but I ignored for the reasons above.

So, legally what right do they have to carry out work and then bill residents retrospectively as it appears they are doing?

[UpTheIron]

What does your contract say?

[DoubleSix]

hmmm contract you say...

I've had the property for 10 years and the management company has changed twice - not sure I have a new contract from the management company as such, or must I have?

[Eric Mc]

You SHOULD have a contract.

How can you claim work is unauthorised of you have never set out what you mean by "authorised" work?

[kowalski655]

If they asked for permission/ contribution then presumably it isn't included in usual work...I would be surprised if it was.
Ask the MC how they say you authorized it
And what kind of upgrades costs nearly£9K?!!!

[DoubleSix]

Thanks for the responses.

By way of conclusion; I managed to get hold of the property manager and he has confirmed there is no legal obligation to pay the additional amount. Seems they just opportunistically added it to the invoice....

Bit cheeky and hasn't endeared me to contribute I must say! Anyway case closed thx