Sued for Repair Costs

succinylcholine

Hello everyone.
Apologies if this is not the correct place to post this but I am now getting desperate.
I live in a bottom floor flat. My top floor neighbour has a balcony. Apparently the balcony was leaking water into the flat below them. A letter was sent by our property factors asking if we all consent to work going ahead and giving us 2 weeks to object. I was on holiday for 3 weeks and did not see the letter until after this. I am now being sued for £6000 as my share of the costs. I don't think I should have to pay this as the issue wasn't impacting on me and I didn't consent to this.
Is anyone aware of what my options are? Am I liable for this payment or can I be sued? I know I should seek legal advice and I will. But until I can, I am desperate for some guidance & advice. If anyone has any legal knowledge of this situation or can point me in the right direction, it would be really appreciated.
I'm in Scotland.

G_M

'factor'.


Scotland?

succinylcholine

Really? That's the best help you can offer?

tom9980

succinylcholine wrote: »

Really? That's the best help you can offer?

Why so rude? the question of is this Scotland? is very important to the advice given.

davidmcn

succinylcholine wrote: »

I don't think I should have to pay this as the issue wasn't impacting on me and I didn't consent to this.

Not impacting on you isn't relevant if it's common property which you have a shared obligation to maintain. We can't tell whether or not you have, without looking at your titles.

Not consenting to it isn't relevant if the works had to be done. It sounds like you had been given a reasonable opportunity to object to the quote obtained, and in any event the majority would rule.

D.L

tom9980 wrote: »

Why so rude? the question of is this Scotland? is very important to the advice given.

It's stated in the first post already.

Caz3121

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_and_maintenance_in_common_areas
worth a read - and the section on factors

diggingdude

Insulting GM is absolutely the best way to get some help round here.....

sgun

If you are being sued then this must be a long way down the repair/payment process. I assume you mean a charge against you/your property has been lodged with the sheriff (as you are in Scotland). When were the quotes for repairs sent to the residents for approval? What percentage of units in the block agreed and disagreed to the repairs? It doesn't sound like this is a straightforward maintenance repair that would be paid for out of the sinking fund. Can you clarify the timescales and details of paperwork you have been sent?

HampshireH

How many flats?

Your post implies 3 so that's a minimum of 18k for a balcony repair.

That's extortionate. Have you received the full breakdown of costs and checked your title to ensure that you are responsible for this.

Murphybear

succinylcholine wrote: »

Really? That's the best help you can offer?

The rules in Scotland are often different from those in England/Wales

G-M was asking so he could give the best advice. He has helped many people on here so I think your comment was a little unkind.