Leasehold Action
A trading name of Talk Legal Limited
Problems in your block should not simply be ignored.
Leasehold Action helps flat owners understand the lease, identify the available remedy and take practical action. Where appropriate, that may include an application to or representation before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Is your service charge too high? Are essential repairs not being carried out? Has the managing agent failed to explain where the money has gone? Have you received a substantial bill for major works? Do the leaseholders want greater control over the management of the building?
You do not need to know the procedure
Most people do not begin with a Property Tribunal problem. They begin with a problem in the building.
The roof may be leaking. Service charges may have risen sharply. Major works may be poorly explained. The managing agent may not answer questions. Necessary repairs may be delayed while responsibility is passed from one organisation to another.
You may not know whether the answer lies in the lease, service-charge legislation, a formal request for information, negotiation, right to manage, appointment of a manager, the County Court or the Property Tribunal.
Our first task is to understand the problem and identify which route, if any, may produce the outcome required.
Problems we consider
We may be able to help flat owners with:
- —unreasonable or unexplained service charges;
- —administration charges;
- —major works and Section 20 consultation;
- —failure to repair or maintain the building;
- —disputes about responsibility under the lease;
- —persistent poor management;
- —applications for the appointment of a manager;
- —right-to-manage issues;
- —lease variation;
- —suitable residential leasehold proceedings within our competence.
What the Property Tribunal may decide
Depending on the type of application, the Tribunal may decide whether a service or administration charge is payable and reasonable, whether consultation requirements have been met or should be dispensed with, whether a manager should be appointed, certain right-to-manage disputes and certain questions about lease variation.
It cannot solve every property problem. Its powers depend on the legislation, the lease, the application, the parties and the evidence. We will not promise a remedy which the Tribunal may have no power to grant.
More than hearing representation
Property cases often require careful work before a hearing. Depending on the agreed instruction, we may analyse the lease, prepare or respond to an application, organise accounts and evidence, assist with statements and submissions, deal with Tribunal directions, prepare the hearing bundle and represent you at the hearing.
Part of Talk Legal
Leasehold Action is led by Bryan Slater. Bryan qualified as a solicitor and formerly practised for approximately 30 years. His experience includes civil litigation, property disputes, contractual and commercial matters, negotiation and advocacy.
Tell us what is happening
Send a short account, the lease if available, the relevant demands or notices and the most important correspondence. We will tell you whether the matter appears to fall within the work we consider and whether an initial discussion or paid review is required.