Building Safety Case Successes for JB Leitch

Posted onSeptember 17, 2020

The JB Leitch litigation team have further consolidated their reputation and expertise in building safety and tribunal matters, with two successful determinations for dispensation and the variation of multiple leases last week.

Both matters concerned the same property, comprised of two residential apartment blocks (of seventeen storeys with 182 individual apartments) with JB Leitch acting for the Right to Manage (RTM) Company.

The first matter concerned an application for dispensation from all or some of the section 20 consultation requirements, in respect of qualifying works to install a fire alarm system at the property in order to reduce the extent of the waking watch currently in place and also to reduce the financial burden to Leaseholders. The second matter focused on a variation of all long residential underleases at the property, to allow inclusion of interim expenditure under the service charge clauses.

Dispensation from full consultation was granted, with the First-tier Tribunal acknowledging that there was a degree of urgency given that the alarm system will significantly improve the process of giving warning the residents to evacuate. Secondly, the Tribunal agreed that proposed variation to leases was required to to enable urgent works to be carried out for the safety of the Leaseholders.

Associate Katie Edwards comments: “Both cases serve to illustrate the ongoing prioritisation and urgency of safety works, the obligations of all parties and challenges in areas such as insurance. In a climate of uncertainty and evolving legislation, we are delighted to have provided both clear guidance and positive results for our client”. Further detail about both cases can be read on our blog.

Written by Steve Sherlock

During our long relationship, JB Leitch has become part of our core team. Their Landlord and Tenant advice is authoritative and clear, and they understand our sector inside out. Their credit control service is highly effective, but also sensitive to the wider relationship we have with our leaseholders
Tim Wilson - Managing Director - E&J Estates
We have worked with JB Leitch for many years now. Their knowledge surrounding the legalities and technicalities of Service Charge collection is excellent and their approach is always helpful and professional.

During this particularly challenging time they continue to provide invaluable support by remaining easily contactable, sending regular reports and offering solutions to any problems that may arise.

Therina Crowley AMInstLM - Service Charge Arrears and Apprentice Supervisor - Encore
We have a strong and well-established working relationship with JB Leitch, having worked with them over a long period of time.

They have a good grasp on the nuances of residential property management so are well-placed to provide specialist advice and assistance on a wide range of issues affecting our industry.

They continue to provide invaluable support to our business, operating in many ways as a seamless extension to our in-house legal team.
Mairead McErlean - Legal Counsel - FirstPort
Over the last five years we have built a solid relationship with JB Leitch, they have provided us with a remarkable ground rent collection service for our freehold property portfolio on criteria and non-criteria debts. They provide a fast, effective recovery of our stand alone Ground Rent and also through their bolt-on Service Charge recovery by liaising with multiple managing agents on our behalf.
Bernadette Jones - General Manager - HomeGround Management Ltd
I would highly recommend JB Leitch although part of me would like to keep them a secret to ensure we have the advantage over competitors. They have increased my knowledge of the legal processes as well as the preparation required to avoid any issues from the beginning.
Dave Poppleton - Director - Inspired Property Management
JB Leitch are simply excellent. It is good to know that we are dealing with a market leading firm who provide superb quality up-to-date advice. When we give JB Leitch an instruction, whether a routine enfranchisement or a complex leasehold query they always deliver. They are highly responsive, professional and have a great team. A pleasure to do business with!
Jenny Jackson-Shilling - Director - The Freehold Group

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