Issue 14 | Winter 2016

HOMEOWNER NEWS
The biannual newsletter from the TMO

Changes to major work repayment options Electronic invoicing

Background The world is a fast-moving place. The
Major work repayment options were last reviewed in 2003. Upon consultation with way organisations communicate with
homeowners, it was decided to review the current options available. customers has changed dramatically
over the past decade. Gone are the days
New repayment options where bills and information just came in
Following the review and agreement with RBKC, changes to the repayment options the post.
have been proposed, which will offer more flexibility to homeowners.
Its becoming the norm for organisations
The following table sets out the new repayment options. to offer billing and information
electronically, as well as by mail. A lot of
Total major work Number of months Interest applied people find electronic communications
more convenient for a variety of different
charge for repayment to be reasons. Electronic communications can
spread over be especially useful for people located
Interest applied to years overseas or spending time away from
Over 10,000 Up to 60 months their usual place of residence.
four and five only
Interest applied to year
7,500 to 9,999 Up to 48 months We send a variety of documents to
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homeowners, from newsletters to
5,000 to 7,499 Up to 36 months Interest Free bills to service charge summaries.
We are currently reviewing which
2,500 to 4,999 Up to 24 months Interest Free documents we could send electronically.
Homeowners who would still like to
Under 2,500 Up to 12 months Interest Free
receive information by post can. This is
about offering a greater choice.
homeowners will be asked to sign an agreement accepting an interest charge on
options where the repayment period is over 36 months There will be some constraints on
interest at a rate of 2% above the bank base rate is charged on options where the documents that we can issue
the repayment period is over 36 months electronically. We are currently working
for charges exceeding 7,500, homeowners will be required to agree to a on this.
voluntary legal charge being secured against the property, which will be
removed on full settlement of the debt Expect to hear more on this in the near
a standard administration fee of 500 (legal and land registry expense) will be future.
payable when the charge is established, which will cover RBKCs costs
all repayment options will start from the date of the first billing
all repayment options for major work charges are to be actioned through the CONTACT US
setting up of direct debits only.
0800 137 111 or 020 7605 6464
Early repayment discount
A discount of 2.5% will be applied for early repayment on all major work projects homeownership@kctmo.org.uk
and amounts. Eligibility for this discount will require full settlement of the whole
charge within 30 days of the first invoice being raised. This will apply to both work kctmo.org.uk
charged on estimate and final account.
@kctmo
All new repayment options and discounts will be available to new major work
Unit A, 292 Kensal Road,
projects billed from 25 March 2017. Any outstanding charges prior to this date will
London W10 5BE
not be applicable to the new options.

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Leaks
Leaks can happen unexpectedly but
most are avoidable. You can reduce the
risk of leaks in your home by taking the
following precautions.
Regularly check water pipes and seals
around sinks, baths and showers. Check
radiators and central heating pipework: dont forget washing
machines and dishwashers. This is good practice for
everyone but essential if you live above the ground floor.
Know where your stopcock is so you can turn the water
off quickly. Minor leaks or water seeping down the back
of a sink may not be obvious, but it can track into the flat
below and cause water damage to the building and personal
belongings.
If you flood or cause water damage to a council flat, we
will charge you the cost of inspecting the damage and
putting it right. Youll also need to pay for the repairs to your
home. Insurance may not cover these costs if the insurance
company believe you have been negligent. If the damaged
flat belongs to another leaseholder, they will want you to
pay to put the damage right.
Delays in contacting the person who lives in the flat can
make matters worse. We need your contact details or
the details of someone local if you dont live there. Some
subtenants are wary of opening doors and letting us in. If
you sublet, make the importance of allowing us access in
emergency situations clear.
Pre-sale
If you are looking to sell your flat, you will need what is
known as a pre-sale pack. These packs include all relevant
information about your flat, your accounts and major work.
We have been reviewing our existing packs with a view to
providing a more comprehensive service.
Many providers charge for a number of add-ons to the pack,
but we have decided against this and developed an all-
encompassing pack.
The new packs will now include a copy of your lease, title plans,
and AGM minutes; and we will answer any additional questions
for up to six months from the date the pack is issued.
The Home YOUR HOUSING OFFICES
Ownership Team Network Hub
is based at the Unit A, 292 Kensal Road
Words End London W10 5BE
Estate office Open weekdays 9am-5pm
Worlds End Estate Office
Blantyre Street
London SW10 0DS
Open weekdays 9am-5pm
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Housing Costs
Did you know that homeowners who are in receipt of
means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit may be
entitled to help towards certain costs, including service
charges and major work charges? Your appropriate
minimum guarantee can include help towards some of
these charges. Call the Department of Work and Pensions
to see if you qualify.
You can only get help with your housing costs for the home
in which you normally live. If other adults live with you and
your partner (referred to as non-dependants), they may be
expected to contribute towards the housing costs, even if
they dont, and deductions from your benefit may be made.
If you own the property jointly with someone other than
your partner, you may only get help with your share of the
costs.
When you apply for help with service charges or major
work, you will be asked to supply documentary evidence,
for example; accounts, invoices and a breakdown of the
charges. The amount of eligible service charges will
be converted into a weekly figure and added to your
appropriate minimum guarantee.
The rules determining how much help you will get with
your housing costs are extremely complex, and we strongly
advise you to get more detailed advice about the help you
are likely to receive. Agencies such as the Citizens Advice
Bureau and Age UK Advice can assist you in claiming
housing costs.
Are you a TMO member?
If so, thats great - with your involvement and feedback
we can keep improving our services. If not, have you
considered becoming a member?
There are a number of benefits, such as:
making your voice heard in how we run things
voting at the annual general meeting
receiving updates on our performance
standing for election as a resident Board member.
Latimer Office
3 Grenfell Road
London W11 1TG
Open Monday to Thursday
8.30am-12pm & 1pm-4.30pm
Friday 8.30am-1pm
 Where are you?
Theres water flooding into or out of your flat. Where are you?

Theres a problem in the block. Where are you?

There are a number of reasons we may need to get hold of you, so its important that we have your up-to-date contact
details.

Email us at homeownership@kctmo.org.uk with updated information or fill in details below and send it to:
KCTMO, Homeownership, The Network Hub, 292a Kensal Road, London, W10 5BE

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Name
Property address

Contact address (if different from above)

Home telephone Work telephone

Email address