Thread by @alexxaphillips

New build homeowners are being told they have to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) if they want to see details of their estate charges.

My investigation on #fleecehold fees for @theipaper here ⬇️ and a thread 🧵
inews.co.uk/news/housing/n…

.@HorNet_Group says they've had complaints of this happening on estates across the country, which makes it difficult for homeowners to challenge their bills and understand where their money is going. 🔍

Others have to travel as much as 100 miles to see the accounts.

Residents on a Newcastle estate built by Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes - two of the UK’s biggest developers - were told they couldn’t see the invoices behind their fees unless they signed NDAs.

The management company that requested this is controlled by these developers.

🗨️“That is absolutely unacceptable. That is trying to gag people when they may not be receiving a reasonable service,” @BobBlackman tells me.

The housing department has vowed to investigate, saying my findings were “shocking” and that “the use of NDAs in these instances is completely inappropriate”.

Dozens of MPs led by @NeilDotObrien are urging the Government to use the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to end this model for new build estates - known as “fleecehold” - and instead have councils manage public spaces and amenities.

Jamie Robinson, Michael Forster & Andy Harrison are among homeowners who shared their stories and are challenging this system which lacks transparency and leaves people at the mercy of uncapped fees.

Without their willingness to go public, stories like this aren't possible 🦸

Our investigation makes the front page of the i paper today.

Read more ⬇️
inews.co.uk/news/housing/n…