Bought a flat 2 months ago, now being charged £115 admin fee so I can pay my service charges etc.

MARKMAKAVELI

Is this normal? At the time of sale I filled in the direct debit info etc.... it was only when checking my account that I realised they hadn't taken the service charges/ground rent etc.
I queried it, knowing I'll owe 2 months in one hit now.... and they've turned round and said "oh yes it's a £115 admin charge to transfer to your name as well".
Any luck in fighting this or is it just a kick in the !!!!!! I have to deal with?

MovingForwards

It's normal with leasehold properties. 
Raise it with your solicitor to see why they haven't yet done it. 

moneysavinghero

Yes it's normal. Also the same with freehold properties that have estate management company involved - you have to pay their rip-off transfer fee (as well as the rip-off ongoing fees).

eddddy

As above, your solicitor should have dealt with this when you bought.

They should have sent a 'Notice of Assignment' (or 'Notice of Transfer')
And if you have a mortgage, it should include a 'Notice of Charge'.

It would be strange for a solicitor not to do this. Maybe check with the solicitor, in case it's been done and paid for, and the freeholder/management company have lost it.



Edit to add...
But depending on the terms of your lease, you might not have to make any monthly payments until the next service charge period starts. 

For example... it depends whether..

1. The lease says Service Charge payments are due every month, or
2. The lease says Service Charge payments are due every 6 months or 12 months - but the management company allow you to pay in monthly installments

If it's option 1, you'll start paying immediately
If it's option 2, you'll start paying when the next 6 month or 12 month period starts

MARKMAKAVELI

Thanks, I've gone back and queried whether it's already been done and if not, why not.
Going to end up owing about £350 here in total. Lovely.