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As the BBC move out, Shepherd's Bush switches to a new programme
As Aunty leaves the Bush the borough seizes the opportunity to create a proper neighbourhood.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Revealed: from Reading to Redhill – the top 20 commuter stations
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My design London - Russell Norman
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Find a rated tradesman
Want to add value to your property, make your house a home, or sell your place fast? With 1,000s of tradesmen nationwide, rated and recommended by previous customers, this is the smart way to find a reputable tradesman.
Buy of the week: Camden Town
This two-bedroom flat has a pretty park on its doorstep, while buzzing Camden Town is only 10 minutes’ walk away. Big sash windows and high ceilings give a spacious feel and there’s a private garden with a studio/home office (£525,000).
Swap of the week: Willersey, Glouc
This little Cotswolds beauty is just across the road from the village green and duck pond. For £530,000 you get beams, exposed stone walls and an open fireplace, plus four bedrooms, a useful attic room and lush gardens to enjoy.
Life-changer: Trescowe, Cornwall
For a project brimming with potential, what about this coastal home, yours for £545,000? The family space includes six bedrooms, while its collection of outbuildings overlooking an acre of gardens could become income-generating holiday lets.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Property search
Bringing charges
Our lawyer Fiona McNulty looks at the legal issues involved when tenants in a block of flats are required to pay large sums of money for proposed major works
© Malcolm Willett (www.willett-ink.co.uk)
I understand that this covers repairs but I have recently been sent a letter by the council telling me that I am expected to pay £10,000 towards some proposed major works. Can you please advise?
Answer: With flats, the responsibility for maintaining the structure of the block and any common parts is usually down to the landlord. The cost of the works is then passed on to the tenants by way of an annual service charge. This will cover basic maintenance required in the day-to- day management of the flats.
Sometimes more substantial works may be required, the cost of which can also be passed on to tenants. There are, however, some controls on landlords, in that the service charge and the work itself must be considered “reasonable”. Also, where your contribution to the costs will be more than £250, the landlord must consult you first.
The requirements are quite involved but in essence you need to be given enough information about the works to understand the proposals and have at least 30 days in which to comment and provide names of contractors to approach for quotes. If the obligations are not complied with, your landlord may be limited to claiming only £250 from you.
In view of the sum involved here, you should consider consulting a solicitor, who will be able to advise whether the council has complied with its obligations and help you consider whether the proposed charges are reasonable.
What's your problem?
If you have a question for Fiona McNulty, email legalsolutions@standard.co.uk. We regret that questions cannot be answered individually.
Fiona is a partner in the property team at Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons Solicitors www.ttuk.com.
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