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ICW
26-02-2009, 11:26 AM
Hello, new to this forum but have found some useful information and would appreciate clarification based on our situation.

We are one of four flats, each leaseholder has a share in the freehold. Over time the three leases and shares in the freehold have been brought by one individual. On each purchase the previous leaseholder has been removed as Director from the Management Company resulting in one named Director (the owner of the 3 flats). This Director was previously Company Secretary, this has recently changed to someone we think is their employee. Not to bore you with all of the problems this is creating, we just want access to information about the activities of the management company and have repeatedly written requesting access.

This has become more urgent as we need to claim against the insurance policy but are request for a copy is being ignored.

We understand that the LTA 1985 s. 21 and s.22 covers our request for this information and that it is a criminal offence not to do so within 21 days (s.25).

Our questions are:-

1. Have we got this right?
2. Does a written request for documentation need to include reference to the relevant sections of the LTA and that it is a criminal offence not to comply?
3. If no documentation is forthcoming and we pursued this through the courts, would we need to engage a solicitor?

Many thanks for your time. And if anyone does have advice or been in a similar situation all comments are most welcome.

blckbrd
26-02-2009, 17:05 PM
1 - If you pay your insurance through your service charges, yes you do have a right to the summary information.
2 - You don’t have to refer to the legislation, but you’re showing you know your stuff (and are therefore harder to fob off) if you quote it.
3 - You don’t have to have a legal representative to go to a LVT or any other court and it is taken into account. But you should always seek proper advice on what you plan to do.

The Lease website is really useful - and has info on insurance within the service charges section.

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

Gordon999
29-03-2009, 09:31 AM
Send a written request by recorded delivery as this will prove the request date. You can point out there is a duty for the freeholder to provide the information within 21 days under the the C & LR Act. 2002 or L&T Act .

If you don't get a reply , then report the offence at the local magistrates court. The court manager will assist you.

Lawcruncher
29-03-2009, 10:13 AM
Quote chapter and verse - it will make it easier for them to check the law. If they check the law they will see what they have to do. Add at the end of your request somethinng that reminds them that a failure to comply with the request is a criminal offence.

sgclacy
29-03-2009, 13:36 PM
You might want to add that you reserve the right to produce the letter in court on the matter of costs