Hello

            I am a leaseholder of a flat, one of 32 in total, arranged in 3 separate attached blocks, each with their own 2 entrances. Arranged over ground. first and second floors.

The 3 blocks are 28 years old and there is a common Fire alarm system fitted, with simple central alarm that will sound in all 3 blocks in the event of fire.

I understand it is L4+M type of system.

There has been 2 Fire risk assessments done over the past 2 years (by different companies),  where both reports suggest that a Fire Alarm system is not required.

There is a StayPut policy in force.

So despite not being required, the unit still needs to be serviced, checked, maintained and tested at considerable cost.

I have asked the managing agents, if they will ask the Freeholders to agree to its removal or decommissioning, as its upkeep now forms a large part of our total service charges.

In the event that the Freeholders insist that the system remains, are leaseholders in a position to challenge their decision or refuse to pay for its upkeep?

Any comments appreciated

You are straying into property law so need a specialist sector legal adviser, however the risk assessors are correct and there is no legal requirement for the system - your leases will determine what you are obliged to pay towards and if it is something not actually legally required you may have grounds for a legal challenge - there was a group action by leaseholders against having to bear the cost of new fire doors which, in the specific situation of their property, were not actually required, they won their case.

Hi

 Thank you for the post....interesting

The managing agents tell me that they are looking into it, but when I suggested that they cannot make the decision, and only the freeholders could make that decision, they agreed, suggesting that they havent even asked the freeholder yet.

And of course all the while this goes on we keep on paying (£50/wk just to push a button to test) !!!!

Ridiculous

The managing agents are the Responsible Person and are in full charge, the freeholders have passed the Responsible Persons duties on to them, check it out..