Maisonette Roof who is responsible

Quanz2

We stay in a Maisonette flat at the top, and we are about to have the gutterings cleaned and some work done to the roof. However, my downstairs neighbour says that the previous owned of our flat took over all the responsibility for our roof as the converted the attic into a bedroom and that the deeds will reflect this. Anyone any knowledge of these things? Also where do I get a copy of my deeds, are they with the solicitor or the mortgage company (and is this an expensive process)?

Many thanks in advance

chivers1977

When we lived in a maisonnette, we were responsible for the roof and my downstairs neighbours for the foundations. The lease will say it. You might be able to get a copy from the land registry for a couple of quid

Weeyin

I used to live in a masonette and everyone was equally responsible. How old is your property? I think newer properties or (ex) council properties are more likely to be evenly split, but old private buildings often have deed stating the upstair owners are soley responsible for roof repairs. You can get your deeds from your mortgage company to double check (my company charge around £50 i think). Local council may be able to advised for free if they own any of the properties.

Fire_Fox

If it's a leasehold property, your long lease is the document you want not the freehold deeds. It's entirely possible the lease was varied when the previous owner took over the use of the attic area, so that the upstairs flat pays for roof repairs - this is quite a common quid pro quo. You should have been given a copy of your long lease as part of the conveyancing, was this not done?

Quanz2

Thanks for replies,
The property is about 25 years old and not ex council. Not sure about freehold and leasehold. I'm in Scotland so am not sure if its the same. Sorry to sound a bit vague, but i'm not really sure what am doing with this. I will contact my mortgage provider and se what they say.

Many thanks