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New Freeholder Demandind Ground Rent Arrears

Hello everyone, thanks for checking out my post.

I’ve been reading a lot about ground rent arrears but I can’t find anything regarding when a new freeholding company takes over in this manner.

Basically, we bought a house in 2014 as a leasehold and the company with the freehold fell apart shortly after so we have never paid ground rent.

Recently, another company has bought the freehold and sent a letter stating that they understand there is ground rent arrears which they will shortly issue a demand for.

It seems clear from the letter we received that they want to be paid ground rent from when we moved in, but they’ve only owned the freehold for a matter of months.

Can they do this?

Comments

  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596
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    Don't see why not.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977
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    Yes of course they can.

    You owe the ground rent.

    The new company has taken on the assets, debts, rights and obligations of the old company.

    As soon as you receive a valid demand for payment you should pay (or face penalties).
  • Thanks, I thought that would be the case but wanted to check to be sure.

    Just to be clear though; they haven’t bought the old company - they’ve just bought the freehold.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977
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    and with the freehold come the rights to claim any funds owed.
  • Ok, that’s great. Thanks very much for your time and the information! Have a good weekend :)
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