A number of different problems and disputes can encourage you to look into Lets a few of the most common examples include.
Insuring the building- often large buildings can require collective insurance policy, however as the responsibility for organising this provision can vary there are often disputes about who is liable and whether the price is fair. The LVT can help determine who is responsible for the payments and help decide whether the costs are appropriate.
Service Charges – many people living in flats or houses as leaseholders are liable to pay service charges to the freeholder. The cost of these service charges can vary significantly from one property to another and consequently many leaseholders may feel they are being over charged. If you are faced with service charges which you believe to be excessive often the LVT can help resolve your dispute.
Quality of Services – often there are services provided by the freeholder to the leaseholder. Maintenance of communal areas, upkeep of shared gardens etc. if a leaseholder believes that the level of these services is unacceptably low and is unable to resolve this with the freeholder they can also pursue their grievance through the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal service.
Cost of Extending Lease – one of the most common causes of people going to LVT is problems agreeing a fair price for extending their press releases. If you are having difficulty agreeing how much it is worth the LVT which help agree a reasonable price, but be aware they don’t always agree with the leaseholder.
Cost of Freehold – if you would like to purchase the freehold of your flat or property outright but feel that the cost being demanded by the freeholder is excessive the LVT can often help you reach an agreement between all parties.
Fortunately the process of applying to the leasehold valuation tribunal is relatively straight forward; you can fill in forms on their website or contact a local LVT directly. The LVT panel itself is made up of a solicitor, a valuer and a lay person to give a mix of opinion and find a resolution to the problems they are presented with.
It typically costs between £300 – £500 pounds and it’s not unusual for the LVT to make the Freeholder responsible for the payment.
Marcus Carter writes for articles for LVT Bulletin, the premier online resource for those using the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal If you are having problems resolving disputes with your freeholder over service charges or other right to manage issues LVT Bulletin’s information should be help.
