Restricted Covenants, Sinking Funds, Balcony Gardens

Available for over a year

You and Yours has been hearing how hundreds of homeowners in Sussex, Essex and Kent have been receiving letters demanding thousands of pounds because changes made to their properties decades ago breach legal covenants placed by their housebuilders when it was built. We'll hear from one homeowner who is worried their housesale could fall through because of what's happening. We'll also hear from Dr Kieran Mullan, Consrvative MP for Bexhill and Battle in East Sussex who's heard from dozens people in his consituency who have received letters. And Olivia Egdell-Page, a solicitor specialising in covenants. You don't need a garden to be a gardener - according to the National Trust Sky Gardening Challenge which is encouraging people to get greening up their balconies. We pay a visit to one 18th floor balcony oasis and hear about the do's and don'ts of gardening in high up and small spaces. People who live in leasehold properties have been getting in touch with You and Yours about about being hit with unexpectedly high service charge bills. Its due to issues with what's known as the Sinking Fund - a pot of money held by landlords or management companies to fix major works to buildings. The Property Institute which is the professional body for residential management companies says the system isn't working and are calling for reform. We'll hear from Andrew Bulmer from the Propery Institute and Martin Boyd from the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership. PRODUCER: CATHERINE EARLAM PRESENTER: WINIFRED ROBINSON