Thanks to those who participated in our 'Ask An Expert: Scams' event. Scam expert MSE Katie's video answers are available to watch on the board now.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Thank you for your understanding.Ground rent through a 3rd party? Simarc trying it on?

4 Posts
Hi All,
New to the forum and hoping I can get some help.
I've had an letter from a company call Simarc. Having checked the website, it doesnt look very professional.
They are apparently the collection company for my ground rent. I've been in the house 18 months and this is the 1st time I've had anything from them. The ground rent is £12 a year and they want £18 which is right for how long I've been in the property, but this company want a further £60 ground rent collection cost.
There are a few things that don't ring right for me. The number you call is just an automated thing. They dont have the correct postcode. They have attached the original letter which is actually addressed to the previous owners. They mention a Wallace Estates Ltd as being the landlord so why cant I just pay them direct?
Any help or advise appreciated.
New to the forum and hoping I can get some help.
I've had an letter from a company call Simarc. Having checked the website, it doesnt look very professional.
They are apparently the collection company for my ground rent. I've been in the house 18 months and this is the 1st time I've had anything from them. The ground rent is £12 a year and they want £18 which is right for how long I've been in the property, but this company want a further £60 ground rent collection cost.
There are a few things that don't ring right for me. The number you call is just an automated thing. They dont have the correct postcode. They have attached the original letter which is actually addressed to the previous owners. They mention a Wallace Estates Ltd as being the landlord so why cant I just pay them direct?
Any help or advise appreciated.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
and/or
Ask the agent which clause in the lease they are relying on for applying the £60 charge.
(But perhaps pay the £18 ground rent, if you agree it's due.)
I'll have a check of my lease tonight
Is this the first demand you've received?
Since it is addressd to the previous owner, were the freeholders properly informed of your purchase?
http://www.lease-advice.org/
My landlord has not demanded ground rent. What should I do? Ground Rent
Can my landlord increase the ground rent? Ground Rent
My landlord has not demanded ground rent for several years. Can he still demand it? Ground Rent
Am I liable to pay arrears of ground rent that accrued prior to me purchasing the property? Purchase/Sale
No mention of the company that's sent the ground rent demand. and I cant see anything in there about being able to charge for a collection fee etc but its all written in old legal eagle!!!.
I am assuming the ground rent has been sold onto this company.
I know its not a massive amount we are talking about but I dont like to feel I am getting ripped off.
The may come back with some very plausible, sensible reasons for charging you £60 - but if it isn't stated in the lease (or in some other contract which you have agreed to, or in some piece of legislation that overrides the lease), you don't have to pay it.