FURIOUS residents across the borough have slammed their housing association for levying “outrageous” charges for work on their properties.

The leaseholders have contacted News Shopper to say they cannot afford the price being charged by Broomleigh Housing Association (BHA).

But BHA says its within its rights to ask leaseholders to foot the bill and added the work is necessary.

Natalie Reynolds, 21, of Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, told News Shopper she and her fiancee have cancelled wedding plans because BHA has charged them £12,500 for roof repairs.

The beauty therapist said: “It’s so much money and we are first-time buyers.

“We were getting married this year but cancelled it because of this ridiculous bill.” Another leaseholder says he is being forced to pay for overdue work he did himself years ago.

Kevin Trump, 44, of Beaconsfield Road, Mottingham, told News Shopper he replaced his own water tank when he discovered it contained asbestos.

The father-of-three said: “I got rid of it at my own expense but now they want me to pay again. It’s outrageous.” Jessie Lands, 88, of Cade House, Beckenham, says she has no idea how she is going to pay the £17,500 BHA has charged her for work including window, roof and electrical repairs.

The great grandmother of 41 said: “I am a pensioner so I don’t know where they think I’m going to get that sort of money.

“We have been to all the meetings and all the leaseholders are against it but they have totally ignored us.” A spokesman for BHA said: “Many purchasers of council homes through the right-to-buy scheme perhaps did not fully understand the financial implications of home ownership.

“We will do our best to offer payment alternatives but do not have the legal powers or financial capacity to subsidise the repair costs.

“We always consult with residents on major works and make sure improvements meet our best value criteria in terms of quality and cost.” “In response to the leaseholder from Mottingham’s specific query we will investigate the individual circumstances of his case.” l What do you think? Do the leaseholders have a point or should they have expected this when they bought their properties? Write to News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT or send and email to: newsroom@london.newsquest.co.uk