Charge for Copy of a Buildings Insurance Bill on Leasehold flat

timnicebutdim_2

Apologies if this is the wrong board to post this on, but any advice would be gratefully appreciated....

Basically we bought our leasehold flat 1 year ago and once we moved in the 'management company' (which the freeholder uses) sent a request for 25% payment of the buildings insurance.

So far so good, as this is what we expected. But when I asked for a copy of the buildings insurance contract the lady at the "management company" said there would be a fee of £30. So last year I didn't bother, but as this is going to happen again soon, I want to know if they can legally do this.

Surely as an 'interested party' I am entitled to see the bill I am contributing towards without charge???

cattie

I think you'll find they have every right to charge you for sending you a copy of the insurance document.

However, you should be free to make an appointment to call at their office to look the document over if you wish.

I've owned a few leasehold flats & never had a copy of the buildings insurance documents. To be honest it never entered my head to want to even want a copy. I knew if ever I needed to make a claim the insurance was in place & that was enough for me.

kissingthepink

You should at least be given a copy of the certificate of insurance. How else would you know that the building had actually been insured? You are quite entitled to see proof of the insurance. My management company send us a copy of the certificate at each renewal. They do not charge, after all the leaseholders are paying the premium.

olly300

Contact http://www.lease-advice.org/ on 020 7374 5380. You have to do it tomorrow as lines are open 9.30am to 3.30pm to check that they can charge you.

The only information I know about my own situation is that I am entitled to a free copy of a booklet that states clearly what my building insurance covers and how to claim plus a letter stating who it is with, but not I'm not entitled to a free copy of the certificate.

rawk

My lease explicitly stated that the freeholder had to provide us proof that insurance was taken out.

timnicebutdim_2

Thanks to everyone who replied. The http://www.lease-advice.org/ website and helpline is really helpful if you have any questions about leaseholds. Basically, its all down to whats written in the lease. I am entitled to a copy of the insurance document but the management company is also entitled to make a "reasonable" charge.
I could argue it out with them but for £30 it doesn't quite seem worth all the hassel!

zag2me

I got mine for free recently, they just sent it out.