Brown window frames

I own freehold house built some 30 years which has brown window frames, as have all the other 9 in this Management-maintained complex. I need to replace my window frames and would like to have white frames (either wood or plastic). Stipulations in the Deeds state that all external decorations must not be changed. Brown frames were fashionable 30 years ago, and still do on 'cottagey' houses, but on mine they look drab. If my neighbours had no objection, who would stop me from changing the frames to white? The stipulations also say no property should be used for business purposes, but as one or two have been 'bought to rent', isn't that a form of business, and some front doors (external decorations?) have changed colour over the years! Are 'Stipulations' set in stone for ever and ever? Any comments would be most grateully received.

Re: Brown window frames

Hello Joan welcome.

In that case I would think not.
renting a house is not the same as running a business and painting doors a different colour is not the same as changing the window frames, it is a temporary change.

You say the complex is 'management maintained ' have you approached the management with your queries.

Sorry I can't sound more positive but my house has various stipulations in the deeds which can't be broken (like erecting any form of fence at the front of the property/running a business) and I was made aware of them when I read the deeds on purchase .

Re: Brown window frames

I can only speak from personal experience and we are not allowed to change ours unless all 42 flat do so at the same time. I can't ever see that happening so we are stuck with what we got.

Re: Brown window frames

There is a kind of logic behind many of these stipulations and they relate to not allowing an estate to become a 'mish mash' of various styles or causing inconvenience to other owners.

I was quite pleased about the fence rule which ensures the light and open aspect is preserved on my property and keeps a uniformity of frontage in this pretty hamlet

Re: Brown window frames

Yes that's the logic but here it means some people have windows hanging off they can't open and close them etc, we just can't get the same frames any more. Something that should have been planned for IMO

Re: Brown window frames

Try the Citizens advice bureau, they might be able to help.

Re: Brown window frames

Good idea - if its noted in the deeds, it may be a lost cause, unless all residents get together on it ......

Re: Brown window frames

Thank you everyone for your quick response to my dilemma!
I did raise the matter (brown to white window frames) at the AGM in March. The Chairman said he would check with lawyer, but so far no response. but an Extraordinary GM has been scheduled for next week (very unusual - normally only have AGM!), so perhaps my enquiry has stirred something! Watch this space ! I did go to CAB, but they were unable to help, apart from suggesting I write a formal letter to Management Committee.

Re: Brown window frames

Hope the meeting goes well for you - let us know .....

Re: Brown window frames

I do agree with you Fullofun, brown windows frames really look depressing after a few years, white are about the safest colour over a long period. If you suggest to the management how dreary looking brown can become over time maybe he/she/they will see it your way and let those who want to do them white proceed.