Maintenance charges in a leasehold building

Mr_owl

I am having troubles obtaining these information from sellers' selectors. How long does it normally take to receive some sort of documents definitely confirming the above? I am not only struggling with getting something what would eliminate any doubt in regards with the service charges but also communication is painfully slow. I did receive leasehold details, stating the covenants and the ground rent payable. All of this was received a month ago, whereas the maintenance charge was to be followed. It never did, I have a reason to believe there is something odd about it, maybe it's the management company. I also believe that the figure quoted originally by the EA may be in fact correct but it's not annual charge but paid every 6months. I have been trying to find out for almost a month and with no luck. I find this very odd and stressful. I have had mortgage agreed and was about to sing the deeds but without this information I am not sure I want to proceed. To add to the injury I find it difficult contacting people responsible for providing this information. Does anyone have any similar experience?

Tiglet2

Could you either, view the property again and ask the vendor directly how much they pay per month/per year and when payment is due, or ask the EA to obtain a sample copy of the service charge statement from the vendor?

All this information will be in the management pack sent to your solicitor by the vendor's solicitor but before they can do that, they will need their fees paid before they collate the pack.  This can take time to reach your solicitor and then you. 

How long since you instructed the solicitor to act for you? 

Mr_owl

Tiglet2 said:

Could you either, view the property again and ask the vendor directly how much they pay per month/per year and when payment is due, or ask the EA to obtain a sample copy of the service charge statement from the vendor?

All this information will be in the management pack sent to your solicitor by the vendor's solicitor but before they can do that, they will need their fees paid before they collate the pack.  This can take time to reach your solicitor and then you. 

How long since you instructed the solicitor to act for you? 

I have paid for the searches somewhere in the middle of May (7th of May I checked). I have tried to do as you suggested but slow communication doesn't take me any further. I am aware of the management, I have been trying to chase it for at least 3 weeks already with no luck. The funniest thing is that we were meant to exchange at the end of month.

bouicca21

As Tiglet says, I’d ask the vendor.  If you were buying my place I’d be able to show you my service charge demands and the back up accounting details as well.

thegreenone

Your solicitor (well, you) should be paying for a pack from the Managing Agent which will contain all this information.

climbthatwallseegar

Agree with above, I have just sold a leasehold flat and the maintenance charges were in the Management Pack I had to buy. However prior to this the buyers solicitor asked for Service Charge statements for the past 3 years which were easy enough for me to provide. Ask your seller directly if possible. I doubt there is anything untoward unless someone has misrepresented the full Service Charge as you mention.

Tiglet2

thegreenone said:

Your solicitor (well, you) should be paying for a pack from the Managing Agent which will contain all this information.

The seller pays for the pack - OP is buying.

Mr_owl

I suggested contacting the seller directly to discuss it but had no reply since a couple of days. Obviously I have no telephone contact and I don't feel like turning up at the property unannounced is a right thing to do..

NameUnavailable

Your vendor will have to pay the management company to provide a pack of information which will be sent to your solicitors, this will detail the last few years service charges, summary of accounts and any planned major works.

Until your solicitor has this, and has dealt with any queries arising from it, you aren't going to be able to proceed (unless of course you want to take the risk!).

Your vendor should be chasing the management company, assuming they've paid the fee etc. That said, there's no time limit or indeed no actual legal obligation for them to respond.

Mr_owl

NameUnavailable said:

Your vendor will have to pay the management company to provide a pack of information which will be sent to your solicitors, this will detail the last few years service charges, summary of accounts and any planned major works.

Until your solicitor has this, and has dealt with any queries arising from it, you aren't going to be able to proceed (unless of course you want to take the risk!).

Your vendor should be chasing the management company, assuming they've paid the fee etc. That said, there's no time limit or indeed no actual legal obligation for them to respond.

I know that and this is exactly what I was trying to obtain. If not this at least something what without a doubt confirm amount payable for a year. I do not want to take risks, quite the opposite. It took such a long time and with slow communication I am asking myself if I should walk away.