161 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT 6 6AW LON/00AM/LAM/2015/0023

FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL
PROPERTY CHAMBER (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY)
Case No LON/00AM/LAM/2015/0023
Mr Michael McCabeApplicantMr Calogero Nola and Mrs Guiseppina NolaRespondent
Judge BarranMr L Gibson of PC Law instructed by TWM Solicitors for the ApplicantVenue 10 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7LRDate 16 June 2017Property: KT 6 6AWType of application: Appointment of a manager
[1]The tribunal will reach its decision on the basis of the evidence produced to it and upon an assessment of the suitability of the proposed manager. The tribunal has identified the following issues to be determined: Is the preliminary notice compliant with section 22 of the Act and/or, if the preliminary notice is wanting, should the tribunal still make an order in exercise of its powers under section 24(7) of the Act? Has the applicant satisfied the tribunal of any ground(s) for making an order, as specified in section 24(2) of the Act? Is it just and convenient to make a management order? Would the proposed manager be a suitable appointee and, if so, on the terms and for how long should the appointment be made? Does the proposed manager need any additional powers to levy his own service charge in respect of flat(s) that have not been demised to any lessee, but have been retained by the respondent? If application is made, should the tribunal make an order under section 20C of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, to limit the landlord’s costs that may be recoverable through the service charge and/or an order for the reimbursement of any fees paid by the applicant?[2]The parties shall send a copy of these Directions to their proposed manager within the next seven days.[3]The respondent shall send a summary of the current insurance policy, receipt for premium paid and invoice demanding 75% share to the applicant within seven days. Documents from the proposed Managers[4]In addition to the application and supporting documentation already provided to the tribunal, by 25 August 2017 the parties shall send to the tribunal (3 copies) and to the other party and the commercial tenant:  A written statement of the residential management experience of their proposed manager, together with the management plan and proposed remuneration and details of any professional indemnity insurance; A draft management order or terms (including period) they wish the tribunal to include in any order it may make; Confirmation that the proposed manager has read the lease and seen the property and will accept appointment; Confirmation whether the manager will comply with the current edition of the Code of Practice published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; The parties’ additional statements[5]By 8 September 2017 the parties shall send an update of their statement to the tribunal (3 copies) with one to the other party and one to the commercial tenant. This should include a summary of the outcome of the county court claim. Documents for the hearing[6]The parties shall use the documents exchanged and sent above ( see Directions 3 & 4) and the bundles already prepared for the hearing in 2015. The Tribunal has one original bundle on file. The Respondent has agreed to send the Tribunal an extra copy of that bundle by 28 August 2017.[7]Any application for an order under section 20C of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and/or for the reimbursement of fees will be dealt with at the hearing. The parties may wish to make written representations on this in their statements of case, or orally at the end of the hearing. Hearing/ inspection arrangements[8]The hearing shall take place on Monday 18 September 2017 at 10 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7LR starting at 10am[9]The hearing is estimated to last for 4 - 5 hours. The hearing should end in time for the tribunal to deliberate on its decision. If either party considers this is an unrealistic estimate, they should write to the tribunal and send a copy to the other party explaining why, two weeks prior to the hearing date.[10]The proposed managers shall attend the hearing for at least one hour. It is likely the tribunal will question them separately, not in each others presence.[11]If the tribunal considers an inspection will assist, it will arrange a time to inspect the property with the parties during the hearing. Name: V Barran Date: 16 June 2017