Bob Smytherman

Opinion Flat Liv ing w h A t t he e x P eR t s t hi nk

introduces the FPRA and explains how the organisation works on behalf of leaseholders

I am the current Chairman and a voluntary committee member of the Federation of Private Residents Associations. The FPRA is the only national body representing long leaseholders and our members include residents associations, resident management companies, right to manage companies and other similar groups. Established in 1971 as a voluntary, nonpolitical, non- profit making organisation, this year the FPRA celebrates its 40th anniversary. We operate as an organisation that aims to share knowledge and help our fellow leaseholders and we rarely come across any problem that is completely new. Among our experienced committee, someone has usually dealt with an issue before and has sought a solution to it.

My involvement with the FPRA began when I purchased a flat on a long lease in a very attractive block in Sussex that was poorly run by a managing agent. There was little or no maintenance and within a few months I had received an additional bill of over £2000 on top of the normal service charge to replace the flat roofs installed hurriedly by shoddy workman after the 1987 hurricane. Like many leaseholders from whom we now receive queries, I could not understand why my solicitor had not made me aware of this when I was buying my flat.Our residents association directors then decided that we could do a better job than our managing agent and we decided to selfmanage. As we felt we needed some advice and support to help us with our new responsibilities, we joined the FPRA and within a few years I agreed to volunteer for the organisation in order to give something back in return for the help and support I had received.

Through my involvement with the FPRA and my own experience of living in a block of flats, I have gleaned a greater understanding not only of the legal and legislatory aspects of leasehold life but also of the way in which residents can work together to deal with all the myriad of issues that result from living in close proximity to other people. Don’t thInk the challenges ever end, they just change. There is always something new to tackle whether you are seeking to take over management, work with your existing property managers, Government proposals to ban wheel clamping are proving a sore point for many leaseholders

I have gleaned agreater understanding... oftheway residentscan worktogether

purchase the freehold or have other objectives.

Over the next few issues of Flat Living, I will be looking at the many new issues facing leaseholders as the Coalition Government introduces a variety of new laws that will impact all of us living in blocks of flats. These include the Green Deal as government tries to insulate the housing stock; proposals to ban wheel-clamping which is major issue for blocks with limited parking spaces; and the roll out of new fire safety guidance for blocks of flats (see news, p7) after pressure from organisations like ourselves. ●

BoB Smytherman

Chairman, The Federation of Private Residents Associations Ltd email bob@fpra.org.uk

Go to www.fpra.org.uk to find out more about the FPra and its legal advice service, which is free to members

MAKING YOUR BLOCK A BETTER PLACE TO BE

n If you haven’t already done so, form a Residents Association. We have a well respected booklet available that explains exactly how to go about it. n Communicate well with all leaseholders as well as all residents – the success of dealing with almost everything you do in your block relies on good and repeated communication. n It is essential to have an active committee and make certain that you continue to get new people involved as flats change hands so that you always have fresh ideas and fresh people rather than relying on just one or two. My own committee succeeds by having six directors sharing our responsibilities over a glass or two of wine every month.

Join the FPRA for ongoing support membership includes access to a free easy-touse website for your block to enable you to store all your documents in one place with secure access for residents of your own block.

change hands so that you always have fresh ideas and fresh people rather than relying on just one or two. My own committee succeeds by having six directors sharing our responsibilities over a glass or two of wine n Join the FPRA for ongoing support - membership includes access to a free easy-touse website for your block to enable you to store all your documents in one place with secure access for residents of your own block.