Freeholder wants £2k to approve new windows

alvapalva_2

A friend has just bought a flat in London - top floor in a 3 floor building. Several of the other flats have recently had new windows put in and my friend wants to do the same.

However the freeholder has said that they charge £2k just to approve new windows (which is what the new windows would cost!). They have said that this is the approval charge even if she puts in exactly the same windows as the other flats have done using the same supplier.

Is the £2k approval charge reasonable or should she challenge it?

Any advice much appreciated...

princeofpounds

First step is to read the lease. That will usually set out any grounds for charges.

Second step is to look at the resources at LEASE, a free govt funded advice service for such matters. (lease-advice.org)

It's pretty unlikely that the freeholder has a basis for such steep charges, but there is nothing to stop them requesting them.

You may need to threaten or even go to a tribunal, at which point you will probably receive a much more reasonable request.

alvapalva_2

Thanks for the very helpful suggestions princeofpounds. I will look at the website.