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Rent / Service charges never requested
Satsooma
Posts: 34 Forumite
Hi All
I bought a flat back in July 2017, on my lease it states that a specific agency has been assigned to perform the cleaning etc that is included in the service charge, however they were never actually appointed.
I've also never been contacted (nor the other flats) to pay the rent / service charge, in fact, I have never had any correspondence from the freeholder whatsoever. They have also not done any of the cleaning etc in the service charge.
I'm trying to sell the flat at the moment and my buyer needed to know the situation with the rent / service etc. I contacted this service provider and they have now been appointed to manage the building (in the last few days).
They say that I have to pay the arrears of the service charge, even though it was never requested and none of the servicing has been done.
Does any one know where I stand on this?
Thanks
I bought a flat back in July 2017, on my lease it states that a specific agency has been assigned to perform the cleaning etc that is included in the service charge, however they were never actually appointed.
I've also never been contacted (nor the other flats) to pay the rent / service charge, in fact, I have never had any correspondence from the freeholder whatsoever. They have also not done any of the cleaning etc in the service charge.
I'm trying to sell the flat at the moment and my buyer needed to know the situation with the rent / service etc. I contacted this service provider and they have now been appointed to manage the building (in the last few days).
They say that I have to pay the arrears of the service charge, even though it was never requested and none of the servicing has been done.
Does any one know where I stand on this?
Thanks
0
Comments
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Debts can be pursued for upto 6 years. If you owe the money, and it is correctly demanded, you'll have to pay (or reach agreement for your buyer to pay subject to a purchase price adjustment or retention).
However, if the charge is for a service that was never provided then you should contest it. Best advice is to pay first 'under protest' to ensure no late-payment or legal fees are added, and then reclaim.
For more:
https://www.lease-advice.org/advice/find-the-right-information-for-you/?step-option=610 -
Ground rent you owe regardless. For the service charge portion the Freeholder/management co. must be able to provide breakdown of costs and proof they were incurred. As G_M pointed out you have to first pay them and then dispute.
Who was cleaning the common areas? 2 years is a long time to go without cleaning, surprised you (and other leaseholders) haven't raised this earlier.0 -
To be honest, everyone kept quiet as we were not receiving bills! There are only 4 flats in the block and we did the cleaning ourselves.0
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To be honest, everyone kept quiet as we were not receiving bills
Come back to bite you?0
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