Good morning all,
As you know the first batch of habitation certificates have now come through. Some have already been given out but, to date, also available are those for house numbers 5, 12, 20, 21, 22, 36, 37, 40, 42, 44, 59, 60 & 67. So far, all these are on phase 1. More will follow shortly but the flow will obviously come to a stop over the Easter holiday.
When you get the certificate you also get all the necessary documents including the "sign off" bulletins necessary to arrange direct connection for water & electricity.
The bad news is, that to get your licence, El Trampolin will charge you the tax of 80 euros before they collect the paperwork from the Town Hall. In addition, they insist that all "community fees",including April, are paid up to date before they will release the certificates.
As you might imagine, lengthy discussions have taken place with them on this point, but Rafael explained that the company position is that "in that when times were good they were happy to pay for water & electricity, now they cannot and equally cannot afford to pay the certificate taxes." I was shown the receipt for the licence tax and can confirm that it is actually 79.11 so the odd 89 cents over that probably doesn't even cover their petrol to go and collect them.
I know some people believe that they can get a copy of the certificate direct from the Town Hall, but do be aware, that without the necessary bulletins, this will not enable you to get direct connections. I am told that you can get such bulletins from suitably qualified electricians and plumbers but I would imagine that the cost involved would be considerably higher than the 80 euros!
I'm afraid that this is one of those situations where the law says one thing, the builder another and we must each decide whether the reality outweighs the principle.
There are also further charges, payable direct to Iberdrola (277euros) and AguaMurcia (181 euros), for the actual connections. These amounts will be included in the first bills issued. Overall, not a cheap transition but obviously ultimately a very necessary one.
It was indicated that if people do not take up their licences then they will continue to have to pay the 200 euros per month. If they do pay then their supply will be billed direct and whatever community charge is payable will therefore be much less.
After the entity transfer is completed, the community charge will, of course, be charged by the entity and not El Trampolin. The exact details of how those then without certificates will be charged for water & electricity is not yet established.
Obviously, it has to be a personal decision as to whether to accept the charges requested but it is worth remembering that once all certificates - for the entire site, or possibly by phase, have been issued by the Town Hall there is the possibility that El Tr. could simply disconnect those areas - leaving those house where the certificate has not been taken up without supply.
In view of the above, I decided to pay the 80 euro, plus the 200 for April, and obtain the certificate. As you all know, I am not normally one to praise El Tr. but I have to say that, in this instance, they have proved to be very helpful.
Not only did I get the certificate, with all necessary additional paperwork, but they also phoned the electricity company on my behalf to arrange connection (it will take about 2 weeks) and are arranging to accompany me and another resident to the Water company to finalise that contract too. I have to say that it appeared to be a very lengthy procedure and I was very grateful that I didn't have to do it!
Rafael did point out that many other builders charge 150 euros for this service (I had actually heard that this is the case from other urbanisations) but that he didn't see the need to charge for something that only cost him time and not money. Wow!!! This really is more like we all thought it should be.
I'm not sure how long this spirit of generosity will or can last but I have heard that some solicitors will also do this free for their clients so there is another option, or you can always go it alone if you so choose.
In case you are wondering whether I personally have gone over to "the dark side" they have already done the same for 4 other residents before me so I did not get any special treatment but credit where credit is due. I am now looking forward to my own meter [and to a lesser degree the bills].
Finally, [I know, I thought it would never end too] a small announcement. Carolina, whilst still wishing to stand for re-election to the committee, has decided to stand down from the presidency. In the past, and recently, I have had a number of requests from owners to stand for the position myself.
After much thought I have decided that I will offer myself up for election as president so you will soon have the opportunity to decide whether you wish to continue to get such lengthy messages or not!
Regards to all.
Paul