freeholder proposed works - no section 20 or consultaion

pinkshoes

What @eddddy said!

Do you know any of the other flat owners? Might be worth talking it through with them to see what they think!

I lived in a block of 12 flats and we had an email group to dicuss such matters! 

m0bov

There will be an upkeep for the gates, servicing, risk assessments and electric bill. 

I would write back and say essentially, "I don't require or agree to these works and I will not be contributing or be liable for any financial contribution". The s20 is nothing to do with works not under the lease like decorating etc..

m0bov

P.S Does the lease mention these gates in anyway? Otherwise its an improvement, which is fine if EVERYONE agrees in writing.

blinko

thanks for the replies everyone, I'm going to try and contact other flat owners to see their POV .

thats a very good point about the upkeep, this freeholder is basically employed his mate to do it so this guy can claim any kind of random upkeep as he sees fit.

the lease doesn't mention the gates at all they are new. I'm assuming people are either using the car park not allowed to or maybe dumping. I've sent the lease to a solicitor to read through the finer parts as it does say we are liable for 1/16 (16 flats in total) of the costs but it looks like repairs and maintenance. I'll wait to hear back from the solicitor 

eddddy

blinko said:

I've sent the lease to a solicitor to read through the finer parts as it does say we are liable for 1/16 (16 flats in total) of the costs but it looks like repairs and maintenance. I'll wait to hear back from the solicitor 

It might be better to ask the freeholder about this, before paying a solicitor.

For example,

• Is the freeholder saying it's mandatory that you pay (in his opinion)?

• Or is the freeholder saying it's just a suggestion he's putting forward, and you're free to decline?

m0bov

I wouldn't be speaking to neighbours, there might be bad feeling of they are all in favour!

blinko

What adds to the obvious dubious situation is the freeholders wife is the author or the quote ....any way I doubt I'm the only leaseholder to be in this situation. I read its even more serious when it comes to coucnils that chuck out over charged s20's for fun

@eddddy thanks for the reply, I've gone back to him asking how many quotes he requested, what due diligence has been done on the contractor, what certifiates will be provided. eg if this goes wrong in 5 years time who will foot the bill because this freeholder got his mate down the pub to do it and now he's done a runner. lets see what he says

@m0bov - maybe, but we are more concerned with doing things properly and not being ripped off . I think if i can gather some support will be in stronger position to challenge the cost

eddddy

blinko said:

@m0bov - maybe, but we are more concerned with doing things properly and not being ripped off . I think if i can gather some support will be in stronger position to challenge the cost

Just to clarify, based on what you've said, you don't need support.  You can just say that you're not paying the £1.5k.

(In the same way that if I asked you to pay me £1.5k for something you don't want - you can simply say "no" to me.)