Mainstay- unreasonable requests/charges

kipmaster

Hi,
I own a flat (amongst a block of 5 others) which currently has an agreement with Mainstay to provide their services.

Last year we started proceedings to change our provider/RTM and we as a block, have succesfully done this and have issued the relevant documentation and papers to mainstay to end the agreement-this was on the 16th June.

I paid my service charge to mainstay up front but this was not within the contract and merely how I liked to pay my bills. I was issued a new bill for £600 in may for June-Nov 2014 services. As I and mainstay know the agreement is coming to an end very soon, I asked in May if I coud pay pro rata for each month until the the service agreement with mainstay ends. They have stated I must pay in full and even if I did they have not given gurantees I will receive any rebate once the RTM change has gone through.
Most of the other flats in the block pay montlhy so i feel this is grossly unfair, especially given as I'm willing to pay it per month

The have also been charging the block for the services of another blocks lift for 7 years despite the fact that we literally can't use the lift!!

They have told me I have until the end of the day 24th July to pay the ful amount plus any late fees.

Does anyone have any advice or experience in a simliar situation?

If anyone can point me in the right direction to quick & reliable legal advice, it will be much welcome.

Thanks Mark

moromir

Read the Lease.

The Lease will set out any contributions that you must make towards the upkeep of the development (which may very well include the lift of another block on the development).

The Lease will set out how the Service Charge becomes due (usually quarterly, sixmonthly or annually) and what charges may be made in respect of late payments.

Blue_Max

Info and advice in the links given below
Some can advice you.
The Property Ombudsman can investigate your compalint and has the power to make decisions valid in law

> Leasehold Library.at ARMA
http://arma.org.uk/leasehold-library?offset=0

> The Leasehold Advisory Service
http://www.lease-advice.org

> Landlords & Tenants Act 1985
The most important piece of legislation for leaseholders.
View and download at
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70

> The Property Ombudsman
http://www.tpos.co.uk/about_us.htm

kipmaster

Thanks for the advice.