Where can I get a copy of the buildings insurance for my flat?
You can find a copy of your buildings insurance certificate by logging into the client portal on the Watsons website. Alternatively, feel free to contact us by phone or email to request a copy.
Can I claim for damages or repairs on the buildings insurance for my flat?
Possibly, depending on the terms of the policy for your flat and the cost of the claim compared to the excess that would automatically be payable. We can put you in touch with the relevant insurance company or broker, if Watsons has set your insurance. Sometimes this is arranged through the freeholder or management company.
Where can I get hold of a copy of the lease for my flat?
If you own the flat, then you would have received and signed a copy of the lease at the time you purchased the property. This is a legal document and should be kept safely. However, we know that sometimes things get lost. If you have misplaced your lease and need to get hold of a copy you can either buy one from the Land Registry, or request a copy from us. We make a charge of £50+VAT for this.
What are major works?
Major works are just that; significant undertakings of work to maintain, update or repair the fabric of your building. They are major in scope and usually can prove expensive too.
Major works usually include things like:
- Replacing the roof
- Internal or external redecoration
- Lift replacement or refurbishment
- Re-carpeting
- Installing a new security system
Who chooses the suppliers and contractors that work on my block?
Watsons have a maintenance team who are able to provide quick responses to urgent site issues such as broken door handles, algae collecting on paths or mud in communal hallways. Our trades people are familiar with our sites and our clients – enabling them to deal with maintenance issues quickly and effectively. We have also built up an approved panel of suppliers who have all been selected based on their ability to work cost-effectively and meet our strict service level agreements.
Most of the suppliers on this panel come by recommendation and many of them are local. We take care to build good working relationships with each and every one. They are all vetted thoroughly and are all required to provide insurance and health and safety information. If they don’t meet legislative requirements, they don’t make the list!
If you would like to recommend a supplier, then please do. We are happy to connect with them too and discuss adding them to the panel.
How often do you review suppliers and is there a tendering process to ensure competitive pricing?
We review contractor costs annually and constantly monitor the performance and price of our suppliers throughout the course of the year. We are old hands at negotiating too, so will always secure the best price for the job.
The roof of my flat has been damaged in a storm. Who can I contact to arrange repairs?
If your block is signed up to our emergency contact service, then please contact 01603 226500 and we will respond to the emergency.
I have lost the security key for the front entrance. Can I get a replacement?
Yes you can! Please contact us and we’ll arrange for a replacement. There will be a charge for this, which we will confirm once we know which block you live in. Costs vary depending on the type of key and the security system in question. You will need to make payment before the new key will be released. If you ever see anyone behaving suspiciously in or around your block, please call the police.
My contact details have changed. Who do I tell?
Email addresses and contact numbers are really important to us as we may need to contact you about an emergency or just update you on events. Call or email us with any changes, please. We will ask you to confirm your contact details with us when you ring so we are checking the information we hold for your call before responding to your query.
How do you ringfence reserve fund monies so they’re not spent on the wrong client or project?
We hold all service charges and reserve fund monies in dedicated client accounts, in line with Section 42 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1987.
Reserve funds are ringfenced separately from service charges and any interest received goes directly to leaseholders.
Someone else keeps parking in my allocated parking space. What can I do?
Bad parking, lack of parking and the use of other people’s allocated spaces is an all too common cause of neighbourly dispute.
Before you march angrily round to your neighbours or put notes on windscreens, we always advise that you first just check the terms of your lease to see what it says about the parking arrangements for your block.
Of course, if your flat comes with a dedicated parking space (and this is specified in your lease) then you are completely within your rights to politely ask your neighbours not to use the space, provided you feel safe/comfortable doing so.
If you continue to have a problem, then please let your Property Manager know, so that we can help you to resolve the issue. It could be that we need to send a reminder to all residents in the block, put up private parking signage or increase/put in place car parking control.