I own the top floor of a house...........

[Mr Tall]

which I bought on the right to buy scheme. from the council Recently work has been carried out on the outside of my property - new roof, re-pointing of bricks and painting of windows. All of which was carried out and finished without my permission. Today I recieved a statement of total estimated expenditure which was �9300 for the proposed works even though it has already been completed.

Is there a way I can get out of paying for this work as I haven't given permission for anyone to errect scaffolding let alone replace my roof?

[loonytunes]

Is it freehold or leasehold?

[Mr Tall]

I own the leasehold.

[jen78]

Are there provisions in the lease by virtue of which you own the leasehold of the property for you to contribute towards works done to the building by the council?

[Mr Tall]

There is a �10,000 cap, but surley they must ask my permission before they carry out any work.

[jen78]

Depends on what is in the lease.

Essentially they own the building itself and the ground it stands on and will have certain rights and responsibilities towards it and the other people who live in the building who may be still living there through council housing.

I'd have thought there should have been a s.20 notification of intended works. Some more info here...

http://www.lease-advice.org/s20frame.htm

Have you checked whether any notice was given, whether any notices were put up in communal areas etc... Doublecheck their address records to make sure they have them right for you (unlikely they won't have on a RTB).

[Mr Tall]

They thought I was a tennant, it wasnt until they tried to change my boiler, radiators, bathroom and kitchen that I told them I was the lease holder. That's why I think I have been sent the statement of proposed works after the work was carried out.

[whiskygalore]

Notice of Intention to Carry Out Works is not valid if they have already carried out works. I think the freeholder has stuffed themselves. You will have to pay the first �250 of the costs and nothing more, ref. the link provided by jen78.

[Mr Tall]

Thanks for all your help