Jazzi
18-03-2006, 17:41 PM
I have a leasehold flat that I bought 10 yrs ago. It is a purpose built 1st floor flat (with 1 flat on the ground floor). We both have our own front doors and own gardens.
I lived their for 7 yrs and for the past 3 yrs I have been renting it out.
The freeholder does not live in this country and the ground rent and buildings insurance is paid to him via his sister (although this year it says to make the cheque payable to someone else but it is the same address I always send it to). I have just received the invoice for this years ground rent and buildings insurance and notice there is a £25 agent fee added on to it. I have never paid agents fees before and nowhere in the lease does it mention anything about paying agents fees. The flat is not managed by the freeholder or an agent. Myself and the leaseholder downstairs are jointly responsible for maintenance/repairs to the roof etc and individually responsible for the windows, painting the exterior of our own flats.
Although £25 is not much, I am reluctant to pay it because there is no mention in the lease of paying agent fees and although it is £25 now whose to say what it will be next year. Is he allowed to charge such a fee?
I will be grateful for any advice.
Thanks
I lived their for 7 yrs and for the past 3 yrs I have been renting it out.
The freeholder does not live in this country and the ground rent and buildings insurance is paid to him via his sister (although this year it says to make the cheque payable to someone else but it is the same address I always send it to). I have just received the invoice for this years ground rent and buildings insurance and notice there is a £25 agent fee added on to it. I have never paid agents fees before and nowhere in the lease does it mention anything about paying agents fees. The flat is not managed by the freeholder or an agent. Myself and the leaseholder downstairs are jointly responsible for maintenance/repairs to the roof etc and individually responsible for the windows, painting the exterior of our own flats.
Although £25 is not much, I am reluctant to pay it because there is no mention in the lease of paying agent fees and although it is £25 now whose to say what it will be next year. Is he allowed to charge such a fee?
I will be grateful for any advice.
Thanks