A decision by the owners of 59 apartments to approve maintenance works that will see them pay nearly £7,000 each sparked heated debate on social media – raising questions over “historic issues” with the way the building has been managed.
Gaudin & Co took over stewardship of Woodville Apartments in January, having been voted in by owners last year – replacing the building’s previous property managers Maillard & Co.
Speaking to Express, Gaudin partner Bradley Vowden said that the company had carried out a review of the site and that “little had been done in terms of maintenance” over the years.
Gaudin put forward recommendations for a raft of works, which were discussed and approved by the owners.
Mr Vowden said: “There were 30 people in attendance at the AGM, and only two voted – one by proxy and one in situ – to not have the works done. The other 28 voted in favour.
“The recommendations and the totals that they’ve gone with, do total just shy of £7,000 per apartment.
“What we’ve said to people is that we will sit down and create payment plans to assist.
“Like anybody in this present climate, £7,000 is a lot of money to everybody.”
A post about the costs in the ‘Good or Bad Jersey Businesses’ Facebook group sparked a heated debate, with some residents pointing to the way the building had previously been managed by Maillard & Co.
Gaudin’s head of property management, Andy Truscott, also took to the comments section – stating that the company had “taken over historic issues” and was “trying to help resolve it”.
Paul Allman, a member of the owners’ committee, told Express that the condition of the building had gotten “worse and worse” over the years.
“We wanted the apartments getting back to what they should be looking like,” he said.
“All [Gaudin] has done, basically, is put a pack together which we voted on.”
Mr Allman also said the works were needed due to “very little” having been done in terms of property maintenance prior to Gaudin taking over.
Mr Vowden expressed frustration over the situation, including the social media post.
“What’s really sad is that we are left to provide this report and for the committee and owners to vote on [the works], and it almost looks like we [Gaudin] are the bad people,” he said.
Following questions from Express, Maillard & Co Group Managing Director Chris Marsh said: “We understand there has been some concern raised online in relation to the recent maintenance levy at Woodville Apartments.
“While Maillard & Co. is no longer managing the property, we appreciate the opportunity to provide a brief comment for context.
“During our time overseeing the building, we worked closely with owners and their committee to maintain services and address repair requirements.”
Mr Marsh continued: “Like many buildings of this age, Woodville has long-term maintenance needs that inevitably accumulate over time – particularly when monthly charges are kept as low as possible.
“The decision to step back from management followed a review of our portfolio and a vote by owners to appoint a new agent.
“We respect that decision and hope that the current management team is able to work constructively with residents to navigate the building’s future.
“We hope this helps provide some clarity and don’t believe further comment would be helpful while the new team is actively engaged with residents.”