Sacking a managing agent?

[thatone1967]

I live in a block of 14 flats, which until about 3 years ago, was managed by a "one man band" who has since sold out to a larger company.

On discussions with a majority (we have not had a chance to speak to all) the tenants, it appears we are very unhappy with the service being provided.

How do we go about "sacking" the managing agent? We have never signed any sort of contract with them, but presumably it will not be as simple as just telling their services are no longer required?

I have spoken to a neighbour in the block next door which I beleive was managed by the guy before he sold out, and they apparently pay slightly less than half we do.

[hidetheelephants]

If none of the residents has a contract from the factor, I would be strongly tempted to write(registered delivery) and tell them their services are no longer required and cancel the standing order. What are they going to do; sue for breach of contract?

[andye30m3]

This web site might be worth a read http://www.lease-advice.org/wizard/?step=14

I also thought if a high enough percentage of flat owners want to buy the freehold they can force the freeholder to sell it somehow.

[thatone1967]

cheers guys... we are not looking to buy the lease, just sack the managing agent..

[Wings]

thatone1967 said:

cheers guys... we are not looking to buy the lease, just sack the managing agent..

As a leaseholder/director of a company that employs a Management Company, the leaseholders would simply vote to eitherretain or remove the Management Company. The link that another poster posted up, will set out the correct procedures for doing the same.

However just a word of warning, a Management Company is only as good as the co-operation of all of the leaseholders/directors, and in my experience that rarely happens. In my case, i 'am a leaseholder of a flat within a block of six flats, none of the other leaseholders/directors attend meetings, therefore due to legislation requiring majority approval from leaseholders/directors on major repair/maintenance.

[davidjpowell]

In my experience, no one is ever happy with their managing agent! it's par for the course.

[jimmyjam]

davidjpowell said:

In my experience, no one is ever happy with their managing agent! it's par for the course.

Agree, its not a nice job and there is very little money to be made in it unless its a large block which is why it ends up being done by small companies and often badly. However, the alternative of the leaseholders doing it themselves is also a recipe for disaster as normally everyone has a differing opinion on what should happen and it ends in a bun fight. Unless one person takes control and acts as the ring leader but this is a very time consuming and difficult task.