Management charging for electricity arrears?

pottski

Firstly, sorry if this is in the wrong section, unsure where to post this

I live in a large block of flats. I have just had my service charge through. They are trying to try us residents for unpaid electricity for the communal arears etc

Basically, the current management company took over around a year ago, as the previous company went into administration. The current management company have shown proof of the 60k debt in unpaid electricity (I have no idea how it went so long without payment)

Anyway, the new management company are saying the owners have to cover the cost. First of all, I have lived there a year, why would I pay towards the last 6 years?! Secondly, the previous compan ywent into administration, surely the debt is with them and not the new management company? What would you do in this instance.

The management company say the electricity company will cut the supply off if it is not paid, to which I said they should change providers. They are threatening the owners with legal fees etc but surely the burden lies directly on the previous management company?

Premier_2

Speak to your solicitor as to how much you should pay.

If he had done his job right, he should have noticed the huge shortfalls in the management's accounts and so should have warned you of the consequences, so enabling you to have re-negotiated the purchase price if appropriate.

He will also be able to tell you whether or not the bill lies solely with the managing agents. Usually the managing agents are just that ... agents - so they are not ultimately responsible for the debt.

dogshome

Hi pottski - £60k Elec. debt going back 6 years ?

Property Managing Agents come in all shapes & sizes - Often they are a wholly owned subsidery of the blocks builders and considering the nature of their business, unlikely to go broke - Unless that is the Builders have gone broke and taken the Property Management Co down with them.

It's interesting that the claim is for 6 years costs, as that is the maximum amount of time that any company can claim payment on old charges, also is it really a 'New' Man. Agents Co.,or just the old one that's gone thro' a Flat Pack Administration process to emerge with a new name? Or is is it indeed new owners who are out to milk the building for every penny they can get?

Your only hope is to form a Residents Assn who can apppoint, and Pay For, a legal eagle to protect your interests