Could you cut down your property management fees? How to slash costs - from doing it yourself to asking these key questions

• Leasehold legal specialists outlines eight steps flat owners can take to ensure their property management company provides value for money

• They include requesting to see the accounts and going through items with a fine tooth comb

• You may even be able to appoint your own manager via a process called Right To Manage

Britain is now building more flats than houses, leaving a rising proportion battling issues related to owning a leasehold property - including dealing with a property management company.

Some property management companies take the work out of owning a flat and offer great value for money. However others can charge high fees and don't necessarily offer good service.  

Legal experts suggest there are steps flat owners can take to ensure they get the best from their property managers, but they'll need an organised approach to ensure it works.

One law firm that specialises in leaseholds has provided an eight-step plan to ensure that you get value for money, whether its ensuring your bin waste is stored appropriately for collection or that water leaks in the communal areas are not neglected.

Alex Bastin, a barrister at Hardwicke, said: 'Far too often, management agents will take your money and run. It means being left with an inadequate service and soaring bills.

'If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair as there are steps that you can take to put pressure on them to maintain the property appropriately. But ideally, you'll want to obtain the freehold so that you have more control of what happens to the premises you live in.' 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-3747001/Are-paying-property-management-company-Club-avoid-high-fees-poor-service-advise-legal-experts.html