Deborah P owns a leasehold house in Bolton, Greater Manchester. She contacted LEASE with concerns about the managing agent possibly overcharging ground rent. She wanted to contact the freeholder to inform them, but the managing agent refused to provide contact details.
The LEASE adviser told Mrs P that there is an obligation on the managing agents to supply the name and address of the landlord, according to s.1 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The request must be made in writing. If they fail to comply with this obligation then they commit a summary offence punishable by a fine.
The adviser also suggested possible ways to take action because of a poor managing agent, including complaining to the managing agent (and if unable to resolve the issue, complaining to the redress scheme the managing agent belongs to), exercising the right to manage and buying the freehold.
Ms P said, “What I got back from you was absolutely solid advice which I was able to use effectively. My issue was resolved very quickly as a result.”
