Local freeholder nightmare

[Jules-and-Boo]

Could anyone please explain the steps I need to take?

I own the leasehold and the freeholder is not carrying out repair.

There is a fault with the drainage alwhich has caused dry rot.I've replaced the flooring (he threatened to take my lease if I didn't) but it's coming back as surface water is leaking in (ground level too high) and not draining away. Also the roof is also leaking into my kitchen. I've written to him and sent surveyor report outlining what needs to be done but he is ignoring me.

I'm worried about ongoing damage but also worried about court costs.

A tribunal cannot award damages, so I need some guidance please.

[IlonaM]

Have a look at this website: The Leasehold Advisory Service

https://www.lease-advice.org/

It is a good place to start with a lot of info and advice available.

Also, if you have free legal advice through home insurance or professional organisation/union you could get some advice from them.

[intexasatthe moment]

This is also a helpful forum https://forums.landlordzone.co.uk/forum/long-leasehold-questions

[fishbiscuits]

Have you checked whether the buildings insurance covers this?

[womanofdulwich]

Did you have a survey when you bought the flat?

[Gaynor Hill]

Your management company should be sorting out repairs ect I live in leasehold flat and they are first port of call luckily they are very good

Speak to other residents

Hope you get it sorted

Gaynor

[intexasatthe moment]

Not all leasehold flats have management companies ,some just have an individual freeholder .

[JohnL]

If he's threatened to take your lease once I'd be worried about his motives. Has he got insurance ?

Someone should be doing the jobs a management company would do and really all residents should contribute something to a sink fund.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/shared_ownership_leasehold/responsibility_for_leaseholder_repairs

[fishbiscuits]

You really do need to check the lease to see who is responsible for this type of maintenance. With many properties, there's nobody actively managing it and it's up to the leaseholders to arrange repairs themselves (or liaise with the insurer).

[diable rouge]

fishbiscuits Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> You really do need to check the lease to see who

> is responsible for this type of maintenance. With

> many properties, there's nobody actively managing

> it and it's up to the leaseholders to arrange

> repairs themselves (or liaise with the insurer).

True, but I would add that you should also run any repair proposals past the freeholder first as you may need their permission, or even if you don't, at least keep them in the loop, this can only reflect well on you in the future should the relationship break down and get nasty...

[fishbiscuits]

Sounds like good advice, DR.