Freeholder claiming legal cost without sending an invoice

K_and_N

Can someone advise me please? i'm under a lot of stress and can't even eat properly at the moment because of this problem.

I bought a leasehold flat over 5 months ago and received a statement from freeholder last week stating outstanding balance which is made up of ground rent, building insurance and late payment fee of £50. I live at the flat and never receive any invoice or reminder before. I called them the next day advising this. They said they sent out all invoies at the same time and didn't have any issue from other flats. I had question on the insurance cost and asked for supporting document and they promised to email me the policy schedule.

Nothing received from them and I had to call them again yesterday and they emailed me the info I wanted. After checking, I was happy with that and arranged to make payment. I requested (very nicely) for the late payment fees to be waived. They said no.

I wrote to them again asking more justification because I thought the late payment fees are applicable if an invoice is not paid 30 days after receipt. No reply form them but an email from a firm claiming that they have been instructed to act on behalf of the freeholder.

And they said now I owe them the amount on the statement + legal fees of over £100!!! I called Lease Advisory service but they said my options are pay or challenge it because the laws is not very clear in that area.

I saw a similar thread and after reading it, I'm considering to pay the full amount on the statement including the late charge but not the legal cost. Can anyone please comment if this is a good idea?

Thank you so much for your time!