The Leat Close Management Association Limited (LCMA) manages the Leat Close estate in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire on behalf of the landowner J. Maidman through J Nicholson & Son Chartered Surveyors. We also work with the residents to make Leat Close a better place to live and keep try to you informed of our activity as best we can.
The LCMA is made up of volunteers who are all residents of Leat Close and we give our time to managing the estate. We hold committee meetings every 3 months and the committee usually communicate via email to discuss updates and matters arising. We do try to resolve issues in a timely manner but as we are unpaid volunteers this has to be done around our own work and family time commitments. We are however always looking for additional volunteers on the estate to help us, so if you would like to be part of the team, then please get in touch.
Maintenance and Fees
We are responsible for looking after and maintaining the exteriors of all 40 properties within the estate. This also covers the grounds maintenance, the private residents car parks and any other communal areas, in accordance with the owners Leasehold agreement.
As residents, you all pay an annual maintenance fee, which covers all the yearly costs incurred by the LCMA for the upkeep and management of the estate including the buildings insurance policy fee which is managed by J Nicholson & Son.
We send out a copy of the accounts to all residents each year along with an invitation to the Annual General Meeting where you can voice any concerns directly with the committee.
Ours and Your Responsibilities
The easy way to work out where the responsibility lies is if it is inside your property then it is your responsibility, if it is outside your property then it is our responsibility (ie. the property walls, guttering, gardens and grounds).
Doors and Windows
As windows and doors are both external and internal components then the responsibility is split 50/50.
In some cases you can apply for a contribution towards window or door repair/replacement if we deem it is necessary after an assessment. We will then contribute 50% of the value based on a quote we obtain from our supplier for a basic repair/replacement, you will need to pay the other 50% of this value plus any additional costs or upgrades you decide to choose. We will not contribute to any window/door repair or replacement you’ve undertaken yourself.
Any external damage that occurs from a window or door problem to the brickwork or fascia is the responsibility of the LCMA. Any internal damage may be covered under the buildings insurance for damage to ceilings, walls and floor. Other damage to personal property will be covered on your home/contents insurance. If you need the details for the buildings insurance you will need to contact J Nicholson & Son directly as they manage the insurance policy. For their contact details please visit: https://www.jnicholson.co.uk/contact_info.htm or you can call them directly on 020 8554 6065. The insurance company will charge you £100 excess for any claims made on the policy. For more information regarding buildings insurance read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/buildings-insurance-claims/
Cleaning of windows and doors, both inside and outside is the flat owners responsibility.
Garages
The LCMA are responsible for garage upkeep, painting and structural brickwork. Your garage door and fascia will be painted as part of our painting schedule. If you have a problem with your door or any damage please contact us so we can arrange repairs.
Private Residents Car Parks
For information regarding the Private Residents Car Parks then please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/parking-in-leat-close/
Water Leaks
For information regarding water leaks, external, internal or leaks from adjacent/above properties, as well as sewage leaks or drain issues then please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/water-leaks/
Buildings Insurance Claims
For more information regarding the buildings insurance and making any claims, please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/buildings-insurance-claims/
Neighbour Disputes
We can offer some assistance with your dispute providing this is a breach of the leasehold agreement. We would ask that you try to discuss any issues you have with your neighbour first and do your best to try to resolve this amicably. There are links on the home page to Citizens Advice and other useful resources.
Washing Lines
For information regarding washing lines and the rules surrounding these as part of the leasehold agreement please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/washing-line-rules/
Bin Use and Recycling
For information regarding bin use and recycling please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/bin-use-and-recycling/
Wasp Nests and Pest Control
For information regarding wasp nests and pest control please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/wasp-nests-and-pest-control/
Contact Us
To contact us with any issues you have regarding LCMA responsibilities, please use the form below: (Please add help@leatclose.org.uk to your email address book otherwise our reply may not get back to you.)
Alternatively email us at: help@leatclose.org.uk