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Estate Management fees

Hello, everyone. 
I'd like to ask for a piece of advice about the way in which I've been charged by a company managing our estate for the services they (don't) provide. There are two things. Firstly, they don't provide 9 out of 10 services they say they provide, but I keep paying the regular sum twice a year. Second, two months ago they sent me a "Balancing Invoice" for the year 2023, without any further explanation. Has anyone had such experience? Am I expected to oblige and pay? I refused to pay, and now they keep adding a £50 late payment fee every week. Thanks in anticipation.   

Comments

  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 13,779 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Freehold or leasehold property?

    Never withhold payment.

    Pay, but make it clear you are paying under duress and maintain the right to reclaim the amounts paid if responses to queries raised are not received.
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 26,581 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I don’t think that you should try to protest on your own. Others must be similarly concerned, so band together. 

    Who has the ultimate responsibility for the estate?  Complain to them.
    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
  • itsthelittlethings
    itsthelittlethings Posts: 1,491 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    A balancing invoice or similar is quite common m. We get an adjustment every year, it depends on what they have actually spent vs what they projected to spend.
    Credit card 1800
    Overdraft 250

    EF 50
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 26,581 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    £50 a week for late payment?
    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
  • Blue439
    Blue439 Posts: 2 Newbie
    First Post
    Thank you all for your swift responses. It's a freehold, by the way. 
  • itsthelittlethings
    itsthelittlethings Posts: 1,491 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    If it’s freehold, how are they able to charge you fees? My charges are for a leasehold flat.
    Credit card 1800
    Overdraft 250

    EF 50
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