First Port charging for deficit for period before we moved in

tim_ch

In their annual accounts, the Property Management company (FIRST PORT), responsible for managing the block of flats we live in, has informed us that they had to spend more money than initially anticipated, resulting in a deficit. In the invoice, they've listed this as:

Description: "Estate Service Charge Year-End Adjustment"
Period:1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

Amount: £455.66.

They've given us a month from the date of the letter to pay this amount.

I would greatly appreciate help with the following two questions:

1. We only purchased this place on 15th December 2023, right at the end of that period. Should we only be responsible for a portion of the charge (ie just the 16 days of the 365)?

2. Finding £455 within a month is er, challenging. 2 kids, another on the way - at the moment, we're budgeting right down to the last cup of coffee. Would it be unreasonable to ask for this amount to be spread out (interest-free) over, say, six months? Would I be within my rights to make such a request?

Thanks a lot in advance, Tim

BarelySentientAI

tim_ch said:

1. We only purchased this place on 15th December 2023, right at the end of that period. Should we only be responsible for a portion of the charge (ie just the 16 days of the 365)?

You are responsible for it all, but your solicitor normally would have made arrangements for a withholding from the seller to refund you for "their" part.

tim_ch said:

2. Finding £455 within a month is er, challenging. 2 kids, another on the way - at the moment, we're budgeting right down to the last cup of coffee. Would it be unreasonable to ask for this amount to be spread out (interest-free) over, say, six months? Would I be within my rights to make such a request?

No harm in asking, but no obligation for them to do so.