UK Landlord Forum / Life

We own several flats which we rent out. Most tick along ok, however, one property managament company (freeholder) which collects our ground rent is insistant we owe them money, and we think our account should be up to date (owing nothing). They keep sending us letters to set up a direct debit so they can claim the funds they think we owe. They do not respond to email, letters, telephone (fobbed off).  All we want to know is a)what date they think this amount refers to, and b) what money they agree they have had from us thus far. (We bought this flat in Feb07).
We have been querying this since Feb08. I am concerned we are going to get a letter from a debit collection agency any day now.
How can I force their hand to enter into dialog about this? Anyone had a similar experience?

Hi Lrevvy,

If they won't reply to your letters, than that's their fault. Just make sure you keep proof of all your emails and letters. Keep copies of everything, so if things actually go to court, you'll have a case.

If they won't even tell you why you own them money, don't pay a penny - I wouldn't.

I experienced a similar situation with a telephone company. I got a bill through which I didn't think was right- they overcharged me. I kept calling them and writing to them, trying to get more details, but I was banging my head against a brick wall- no one could give me answers.

They eventually sent me a legal letter, and I showed them proof that i was trying to solve the issue, by finding out how I incurred those costs. They backed out of the case after that.

Good luck!

The only remnant of control available to the aggrieved landlord will be as a member of the newly set up residents' RTM company. The landlord would be one lone voice among at least half of the flat owners within any single block. Any leaseholders wanting to invoke the legislation are required to negotiate their way through the protracted process of setting up an RTM company and making the appropriate application to the landlord.