COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 13, 2006

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor  R. Dowds

"To ask the Manager to outline County Council policy with regard to maintenance charges on people purchasing affordable homes in apartment blocks?"

REPLY:

The payment of a management fee to a management company by purchasers of affordable units has in the majority of cases only been applicable where they have purchased an apartment.  This fee generally covers the cost of maintenance of the common areas, service charges and block insurance.  In such developments the planning permissions granted include a condition as follows, "That the developer must also submit a Management Plan and agreement for the long term maintenance of the private/communal open spaces."  Where such a condition is attached to a permission the developer usually sets up a management company and a management fee for all properties within the development including any affordable units.

When all dwellings in a development are sold the Management Company then comprises the owners of those properties.  That Management Company engages a Managing Agent and the Company determine the management fee which will cover the management agent expenses.  Therefore the management fee is determined by the owners of the dwellings themselves and the Council has no input.