Residents of the Faversham Lakes new-build estate in Kent have successfully ousted property management company FirstPort following frustration over soaring service charges.
The firm, which manages over 5,000 developments across the UK, had its contract terminated by developer Anderson after residents voiced dissatisfaction with rising fees and poor service, KentOnline reports.
The 400-home estate saw its total service charge nearly double, increasing by £29,000. Efforts to obtain clarity from FirstPort reportedly went unanswered, prompting more than 100 households to unite in protest, many refusing to pay their bills.
Invoices showed dramatic fee hikes, with one resident’s charges jumping from £324 in 2022-23 to over £700 due to combined billing and backdated charges.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES
Faversham Lakes resident and town councillor Rob Crayford highlighted unresolved maintenance issues, including blocked drains and ignored requests for additional grit bins.
He described inconsistent billing and poor communication as major concerns.
Another resident commended the community’s unity, saying: “By working together, we pushed back against FirstPort and succeeded in removing them.”
BILLING ERRORS
In a letter to residents, FirstPort attributed the fee increase to “historic billing errors,” a £74.80 deficit for phase one homeowners and rising ground maintenance costs linked to the estate’s expansion. The company denied unjustified price hikes but admitted delays in issuing accurate charges.
From February 1, developer Anderson will take over the estate’s management and maintenance, citing the residents’ association’s request for more transparency and value.
Faversham MP Helen Whately praised the community for taking control, noting she has heard similar complaints about unfair charges and poor service across her constituency.
FirstPort stated it is working with the resident management company to resolve outstanding matters before its departure.
Anderson expressed its commitment to fostering the community’s established sense of cohesion and trust.
