Outrages Service charges -

[gwije]

Hello

Summary - Does any one know/can recommend good Service charge dispute solicitors please ?

More details -
I have bought 1 bed room flat above a commercial unit in Welling, Kent. The premises occupy 4 residential apartments and 1 commercial shop.

Beginning of the year the Freeholders have given the management of the building to company called - Eagerstates Ltd (They have really poor reviews on online)

They have issued us welcome letter stating they are the new management company.

Then after two weeks they issued us letter showing us the service charge for 2018-2019 which is over £1200 per flat. Below is the only allocation they have issued us

Insurance - £1200.00

Management Fees - £1200.00

Fire and Health and Safety - £600.00

Repair Fund - £600.00

Accountant Fees - £700.00

They haven't done any repairs nor doing any services ie cleaning fire safety inspections etc.

We have done several occasions all the repairs our selves. (Have invoices to proof this)

They haven't consulted or issued no notices. All the leaseholders are really unhappy and accepting any of these charges.

Can anyone give us any advice on this please ?
Or anyone know good solicitors who can act on behalf of us ?

Many thanks for reading !

This is common.

Try leasehold.org.

I don’t know about residential units above shops but I believe if you can get 50% plus one to agree you can go for right to manage. That may be a better route for you all.

I don't think the budget looks that unusual. Have you asked what insurance they've shopped around for? Things like repairs they can build a fund for so if anything comes up, there's money to do it. How else would that be paid for?
Overall, £1200 a year is a very normal level of service charge. However, as PP says, you could look into right to manage.

Ditto to going down the right to manage route.
A lot of these firms are rip off merchants - not that I'm necessarily saying yours is, but it is well known and I've seen a number of articles in the press about them.

Thanks all for your comments and replies.

Sorry old thread. We are in the process of purchasing the freehold. Taking all of my money and time but will be worth it in the end. Happy to recommend a solicitor and also for anyone who has has similar experiences dealing with these crooks then please join the FB group. Search 'Eagerstates Support Group' or click www.facebook.com/groups/973661496158862/

Hi Ssinclair. Hope you read this ... I am trying to buy the freehold from these monsters and would love to speak to you for advise and recommendations on a good solicitor!

Thank you

@Snowbally Unfortunately you have landed very unlucky with this mob..
The demand you have received sounds wrong for many reasons..
First of all join the National Leasehold Campaign Facebook group. Also send me a PM and I will give you further advice.
I am sorry you have landed with this lot....