Ground Rent Transfer to new company - chasing me for payment, but I already paid old company

ookle

My ground rent is due annually on/before end of Dec, for the year in advance. I paid the same company I had paid ground rent to for 20 yrs, on time in full.

I got a letter this month, informing me a new company has bought the freehold. I then received another letter today, chasing me for the payment, telling me I need to pay the new company. But I paid the old company back in December. 

I lack a crystal ball, so back in December had no insight that 4 months later, a new company would take over the freehold. I hadn't received any comms from old or new freeholder until this month. 

Where do I stand with this? By my records, I'm not due to pay the new company until December 2023. Feels like they are trying to sneak an extra payment out of me. Do I just tell them to check with the previous freeholder and validate that the payment was made and update their records accordingly?

kingstreet

This would be better on HBR&S. You'll get more replies and there is no mortgage issue.

ookle

Thanks have moved to other board - was torn between which was most appropriate