Blue Orange is the Management Company of the projects. Our role as the Management Company is to make sure that all communal areas of any project are kept cleaned and in good operational condition (maintain the swimming pools and communal gardens, cleaning of all communal areas, maintain elevators and sewage plant stations where needed). A Management Company is a separate entity from the Vendor (Construction Company) and cannot be held responsible for any issues concerning the Vendor
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According to the relevant legislation the owners of all units share the maintenance expenses on the basis of the area of each unit. Hence you are required to pay for the maintenance of all common facilities, including the lift, whether you use them or not.
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There is no provision in the relevant legislation to allow for deductions in accordance to usage. Regardless of how long you live in the apartment, you are required to pay the yearly charge in full.
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The amount you pay is based on the relative size of your property compared to the others in the development, not the number of bedrooms. If the total area of your one-bedroom apartment including covered verandas is larger than your neighbour’s two-bedroom apartment you are expected to pay a larger share.
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Comparing communal fees across different developments is like comparing apples to oranges. The amount you have to pay depends on a number of factors that vary widely from complex to complex, such as the size of the complex, the facilities that are available on site, the scope and frequency of each service as well as the percentage ownership belonging to each unit.
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Many owners think that they can save on total cost by running the complex themselves or hiring independent subcontractors to do the job. You are free to do so if this is decided by the majority of the owners, but before you take a decision make sure you get all the facts right. If your complex has a pool it is essential that this is maintained by a professional pool cleaning company whose staff are fully trained and certified pool attendants, not some unregistered illegal entity that lacks basic knowledge and experience, hence putting your investment -and your safety - at risk. Unless you are a registered committee, the local authorities are likely to require personal guarantees in order to transfer the electricity and water meters. But the most serious problem is dealing with non-payers. A professional property management company has the opportunity to chase non-payers in court with a high rate of success, whilst owners normally have neither the option nor the funds to go via the legal route.
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Going to court is unfortunately a long drawn out process and often costly too; therefore reaching an agreement beforehand is usually in the best interest of both parties. However, if an amicable solution is not reached we have no hesitation to follow the legal route, as we have done in the past with positive results. Defaulters are eventually made to pay their dues plus massive amounts in legal and related fees and a “memo” may be placed on their property so that they are unable to sell or transfer the property until they have settled their debt.
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If you are unable to pay your bills as they fall due we urge you to contact our Credit Control staff and honestly describe your situation. Rather than ‘harassing’ you to clear your account immediately we can work out together a repayment plan that suits your circumstances, to stay on track until you get back on your feet. You may also consider renting the property to start bringing in money or even sell the property if you wish. We can offer advice or assistance with both.
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There are various ways you can pay the communal fees relating to your property:
- Standing order / Direct Debit
- Online via jccsmart.com
- Bank transfers
- Cheques (payable to D.A Blue Orange Property Management Services Ltd)
- Major debit/credit cards
Or visit one of our offices during regular office hours 08:00-17:30.
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Many man hours are lost trying to track new purchasers and previous owners become upset when they continue to receive statements from us after they have sold a property. If you happen to sell your property independently, it is imperative that you inform us of the sale and give us details of the new owner otherwise you may continue being charged for communal fees. Remember also to cancel your home insurance policy or you may as well find yourself liable for additional fees.
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In addition to regular mail, the six-monthly accounts are being sent twice a year by e-mail to everyone who has supplied a valid e-mail address. If you wish to receive correspondence by email please email us at contactdetails@blueorangeservices.com. In case you have already provided an email address but still don’t get our correspondence please let us know; it may be that your email provider is blocking the mail. And please do not forget to notify us of any changes in your postal address. Being able to communicate with you is important to us.
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Although it is common practice to incorporate communal fees into the rent, it is the owners who are legally liable for the communal fees, irrespective of any private rental agreement they might have with their tenants.
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During office hours, you will be able to contact our team at Blue Orange Offices. In case of emergency after office hours (17.30 – 22.00), or at the weekends (10.00 – 20.00), you can call the Red Line no. 7777 7738 (emergency number).
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If the medical condition is urgent, it is best to go to the General Hospital 112, 26803145, 26803100. There are also numerous Private Clinics who will treat you as long as you have insurance.
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