Dicko

Hi Paula, A Section 20 is required for 'works' to the building. A fire risk assessment and an appraisal of the cladding, I would imagine, are more akin to a professional fee / service than 'works'. I do not know of any legal precedent that determines the definition of 'works', however I am aware of numerous cladding appraisals that have proceeded without a Section 20 process, despite being over the £250/flat threshold. A Section 20 process must include notice periods that will mean it will take multiple months. Depending on the speed of the freeholder in progressing it, and the time it takes them to get quotes, it could take 2, 3, 4+ months. If the freeholder proceeded without a S.20 that would speed things up, however the buyers might not want to proceed until the results of the fire risk assessment and the appraisal are known? As there may be a cost applicable to the service charge to implement their recommendations. It may take the contractor 1, 2, 3+ weeks to write up and return their reports.

Hi All, We manage apartment blocks, and sometimes residents install their own EV chargers in basement car parks without seeking the appropriate permissions etc. In these cases, we are usually recommended to enforce removal of the charger or install heat detection that is linked to an ARC. I am aware that an EV fire is a greater hazard than an ICE fire. What I’m struggling to understand is why an ICE fire is not so much of a hazard to already need these measures. Surely a car fire of any kind is a great hazard, and being in a part of the building that is frequently unoccupied, it would make sense to have heat detection linked to an ARC? Everything I’ve seen online suggests that EV fires are less likely than ICE. Although I haven’t found anything that only compares the numbers of parked ICE cars to charging EVs. Maybe I am missing something! Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks Anthony, One is simultaneous evacuation and one is stay put. Ditto your thoughts on leaseholders funds.

Hi all, Does anyone know in what instance it is recommended/required that a general needs block of flats has fire alarm monitoring? We manage many blocks with alarms, but only two have alarm monitoring systems, neither are HRBs or present any unusual risks to my knowledge. The fire strategies do not mention alarm monitoring. Thanks in advance