Negligent & incompetent freeholder - need a good solicitor

[crackingup]

Hi there

My neighbours and I are leaseholders who have the misfortune of having Southwark Council as our freeholder.

Damage occured to the building in 2009 and despite following the insurance claims process, three years on Southwark Council have been incapable of arranging for the repairs to begin.

They even tried to tell us that we were only insured for repairs to inside our flats and that we would have to foot the bill for the external works out of our own pocket as they self-insure!

We have to live in a damaged and dangerous building with water ingress.

Does anyone know a good solicitor who has had success in either getting an order against a negligent freeholder for specific performance to undertake repairs or getting an injunction against them so that the leaseholders can liaise directly with the insurance company to arrange the works and cut out the freeholder?

We have already followed the council's 3 stage corporate complaints process and they either don't bother to reply or send a generic letter denying any responsibility...

Thanks in advance

[catgirl]

Sounds awful, poor you. Have you tried calling the leasehold advisory service? Is a govt funded body who advise on leasehold issues. I've used them before and found their advice very helpful. 0207 383 9800.

[crackingup]

Hi Catgirl

Yes I have called LAS but they could only advise me that our best option would be speak to a solicitor and go down the injunction route. I was just wondering if anyone on here could recommend a good solicitor who has experience of dealing with such cases. Would prefer a recommendation rather than having to go through the lengthy list of generic property solicitors LAS said may be able to help.

Thanks

[KidKruger]

one thing - i wouldn't pay any more ground rent or maintenance charges until this is resolved as you want it.

[simonethebeaver]

I have had fantastic legal work from Glyn Crews at Bennett Welch in Crystal Palace. That was freehold purchase, twice, but his firm may also handle work like this. I can't recommend him enough.

[trizza]

Do you live in a house that's owned by the council? If so, I understand they are generally happy to sell the freeholds as they want to focus their efforts on larger managed blocks. This may be a better option than spending money litigating against the council...

[mazytok]

Hi crackingup

Did you find a good property solicitor? I am considering action against my freeholder and looking for recommendations,

Many thanks