Leasehold - incorrect service charge proportions applied

raskazz

I have a leasehold on a flat, structured in such a way that ground rent and buildings insurance are collected together, other service charges are collected by Countrywide (who seem to have quite a reputation from searching online).

Back in February I noticed that Countrywide had applied incorrect proportions to calculate the amount of the block's service charge for which I am responsible. I sent them a recorded delivery letter setting out exactly what was incorrect, and also provided a copy of my leasehold. There have been no deeds of variation to amend the proportions stated in the lease.

At the same time, Mainstay who collect the insurance had also applied an incorrect proportion, as they had simply accepted the percentage that Countrywide had provided to them. I provided the copy of the lease to them and so this is now resolved.

Unfortunately Countrywide have been utterly useless, I will refrain from naming the individual responsible for my block on a public forum, but a more inept individual you will seldom meet. They have not, despite several chases, provided any response to my queries nor any recalculaton of the charge. Furthermore, no-one at Countrywide has bothered to tell their credit control team to place a hold on the account - so I have now received letters threatening legal action.

All I want to do is to pay the correct service charge which is contractually due - but no-one at Countrywide seems to take any responsibility for sorting it out. It is now getting extremely stressful.

Any advice appreciated.

G_M

How/where have you escallated your problem?


Try the executive team:
http://www.countrywide.co.uk/about/executive-team/

I can't actually find their complaints procedure, but it may be on their correspondance?

In the meantime, have you calculated for yourself what you actually owe? Do this, and then pay it along with your explanation (again!).

If it came to court, your defence would be much stronger if you were not in arrears, but could demonstrate that you'd paid what you owe.