Plea for action to prevent 'scandal' of rip-off estate management firms

SOUTH Devon MP Caroline Voaden has warned that the unchecked practices of residential estate management companies could become “the next great scandal of our time,” likening the situation to the failures seen in the privatised water industry.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate, Ms Voaden outlined how residents across the country - both leaseholders and freeholders - are being exploited by what she described as rogue management firms.

She said these companies often intimidate residents, ignore complaints and hike fees while avoiding regulatory scrutiny.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, she referenced findings from the Commons Library which showed that 94% of more than 1,100 petition respondents were dissatisfied with their management companies. Many cited issues such as inflated service charges, poor maintenance and a lack of transparency, including problems like broken lifts, leaking ceilings and delayed repairs.