Ground rent late payment fees

Suzsuzsuz

Hi, we pay roughly £275 every 6 months in ground rent charges to the freehold owner of our flat. These can only be made by cheque or postal order. If late then there is a £45 late payment fee. I just wondered if these charges are acceptable as they seem high - especially as they can't be paid by dd, standing order or bank transfer. Thanks everyone!!

marksoton

Only you know, because only you have a copy of the leasehold agreement....

AdrianC

You accepted the terms when you bought the place.

Is it really that hard to post a cheque twice a year?

ognum

Why not pay an annual payment then you only have to remember once a year.

I agree annoying that you can't set up a direct debit but a diary date once a year can't be that difficult.

I would be worried by the side of the GR, £550 per year, how much is the service charge! Does the GR increase?

AnnieO1234

Would it be possible for you to pay 6 months in advance? If you know that £550 is due in October and March then either pay double in the October and then go back to paying as normal in the March which would become the following October's payment. Alternatively, what stops you diarising it to be paid a month beforehand?

The problem with ground rents is that they are due as per the lease, it's not about waiting for an invoice or anything else. The bottom line is that you bought the property and knew the payments were due at specific times of year, it's up to you to ensure that you are making those payments in time.

If the problem is that you're needing to hold onto your cash for as long as possible, then maybe this isn't the property for you to be living in. I do hope there's a sinking fund for works that may be required to common areas, what will you do otherwise if you end up with a huge bill for the lifts being replaced, or the windows?

xxx