Leasehold and Freehold Property Issues

[jasonhanger]

I live in a flat (converted house, split in to three properties, 2 flats and a maisonette). I dont get on with the freeholder, who lives in the maisonette.

He has sent me a letter, that the property needs painting - Fair enough, but included in his breakdown of costs has included sort out the rotten wood surrounds to the windows on the other flat and masionette, but not mine. My windows and U pvc so require no work...

Am I liable to pay for the work for the things that don't affect me?... Because it seems to me that the cost are very high.

Also, he has instructed the builders to commence the work, (yesterday) without getting my permission. Do I have any legal rights, and can I refuse to pay, or pay what I feel I think my proportion of costs is?

Jason

[Jansy]

Hi Jason, I presume that you own your own flat, so I suggest that you check your Lease for these kind of circumstances. Do you pay a service/maintenance charge to your Landlord? If so, monies collected should go towards any work that is needed on the property, but if there is a shortfall, the leaseholders usually pay a proportion of this and in your case it would probably be a third. (If you are renting, then your Landlord should pay for these costs.)

Incidently, who paid for your Upvc windows? Did all the Leaseholders pay towards them or did you pay for them yourself? You have to consider how the entire property will appear after the wooden window surrounds are fixed, the look of a well maintained property will add value to your flat if you ever decide to sell.

Did the Freeholder get more than one quote for the decoration work to be carried out? If I remember correctly, for work over �1000 one legally has to get either 2 or 3 quotes.

Overall, I strongly suggest that you check your lease and go to the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solictors free surgery to get more advice. Also think about seeing the other Leaseholder and see what their thoughts are concerning the matter.

I wish you good luck with this, I don't envy the situation that you're in