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private flat council want cash for repairs
givememoney
Posts: 1,240 Forumite
Our son has purchased an ex-council flat in Harlow. He's been there just over a year and they want to do work and told him his share of costs will be £4,500. He lives alone can not afford this, he can just about pay the mortgage.
Can he do anything about this?
Can he do anything about this?
0
Comments
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No if it's a leasehold flat he will have to pay but check the costs are reasonable and just - IE they are works to his block etc.
He should know that he would be liable for these costs when he purchased the flat as it's quite common.0 -
This is service charges for major works? Did he understand at the time he bought the flat that he would be liable for future works? This is normal for leaseholders.
Provided that the council followed the procedures and the costs are reasonable, he will have to pay. Some councils permit payment in installments.
Does he know any of the neighbours? There is usually someone who checks the quotes and ensures that procedures are followed correctly.
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/document.asp?item=14Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?
Rudyard Kipling0 -
Has he looked at the information for leaseholders on his council's website?They sometimes have advice for people who have trouble paying service charges.Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?
Rudyard Kipling0 -
Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?
Rudyard Kipling0 -
He can avoid such costs by renting rather than buying a home.0
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Yes he was made aware he would have to pay but is shocked at the amount0
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Read http://lease-advice.org/ for info on how to check/challange maintenance fees.
But if the work needs doing, and his lease says he is liable, and the fees are reasonable, he'll have to pay.0 -
Did he get a section 20 notice?Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?
Rudyard Kipling0 -
If he really can't afford it he will have to sell: this is something that happens every now and then.0
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It's a risk when buying a leasehold property where the council is the freeholder. £4,500 isn't that bad, we've seen much worse on the forum. Depending on the council they might let him pay it installments rather than one lump sum. Failing that, if he's really stuck for cash does he have a spare room he could let to a lodger?0
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