The power for residents to change management companies if they are unhappy has been included in a new bill after lobbying from a Kent MP.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has welcomed news that the government has tabled amendments to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to offer vital protection to residents against the actions of property management companies.

Mr Johnson said he requested amendments to the bill when it was first debated in the House of Commons as he wanted to ensure residents had more of a voice and the power to change their management company if they were unhappy.

He said: “Since the debate, I've continued to lobby the Housing Minister and I am delighted that the government have listened to what so many people in Dartford have said.

“Power will be included in this bill to change management companies on the application of any resident where unreasonable charges have been imposed or shoddy work carried out.

“Even if residents are unsuccessful in their challenge, it will severely restrict costs that can be awarded against them.

“I invited residents to contact me to share their own experiences with management companies, and I had hundreds of Dartford residents contact me with 98% of people telling me they were unhappy with their management company, and 86% feeling their complaints were poorly handled.

“In some cases residents had seen their management fees increase by several hundred pounds a month yet still receive a poor service.

“Reform in this area is long overdue.”