On 15/10/11 13:50, MM wrote:
On Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:32:42 -0700 (PDT), Owain
wrote:

On Oct 15, 9:29 am, MM wrote:
I should think the EA has maximum powers, including sending in the
local water company to pump out the sewage at some considerable cost
to be borne by the residents. Can the EA declare the estate unfit for
human habitation or some such?


I don't know if EA can, but Building Control can certainly issue
enforcement notices to that effect, and to require remedial work to be
done and be charged back (at council contract rates) to the owners. A
charge (mortgage) would be taken on the houses until the money was
repaid to the council. Repossession would not be impossible.

Ah, the big "R" (reposession) might do the trick, because some of the
residents must have a screw loose, thinking it'll be someone else's
problem to sort out.

I assume there is a management co involved and some agreement between
owners/leasholders and the mgmt co. Check the deeds and covenants on the
property, you may find that failure to do maintenance will will breach
such covenants which will have consequences for anyone with a mortgage.

I run the mgmt co for a small block, the most effective way to deal with
owners who don't pay their service charge is to inform their mortgage co.


--
djc