Share of freehold - not informed of work needed before exchanging

[Jesssicaa]

Hi, I am having an awful weekend due to my neighbour.

I bought my flat which is share of freehold (between 2 flats) in November 2023 and now my downstairs neighbour has asked me to pay half of some work that was carried out. They sent me the quote which they got back in Sep 2023 and the bill is dated December 2023. They want me to pay around £1200. I was not informed of any building repair by our seller or solicitors before exchanging which happened November 6th 2023 and 2 days later I completed the purchase.

I had no information as to why they needed the work done.

They got a quote in September, they either didn’t pass anything onto my solicitor, or my solicitor didn’t pass on the information to me, would I be liable for the cost?

I know it’s best to speak to my solicitor who dealt with my purchase and I will but it’s the weekend so I cant at the moment but I just wanted to know what my rights are.

Thanks.

@kirinm

Thanks for the reply.

Yes I own a share of freehold with my neighbour.
I didn’t know planning permission was needed for changing windows.
They didn’t asked for the windows, they asked me to pay for a half the cost of a lintel when they changed their windows.
They didn’t inform my solicitors of any of the work, they just did it.
When they sent me the bill, they didn’t tell me why they needed the work.

@GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut

Thank you.

That’s a good idea, I might phone the builder and ask.

If they’re selling then I wouldn’t pay anything! As you rightly say, they don’t need a dispute during a sale.

Has the work actually been done and do you have evidence of that? It’s easy enough to get hold of an invoice.
I wouldn’t pay. They’ve left it too long, haven’t followed the correct procedure and if you do object, they’ll have to declare a dispute.

I’d be saying no to this. Sounds like they need money for estate agent fees or something and are clutching at straws trying to get money together. If they’ve genuinely thought they were entitled to this money they’d have asked a year ago. Sounds like they decided to upgrade their windows….that is not maintenance! Not necessarily anyway.

@kirinm @Longhotsummers @FoxedByACat

Thank you for the replys.

Ohhh I didn't think that they might just be after cash.... yeah our solicitor did point out that I have been living here since 2023 but now this matter has come to light...I think its worth a shot to tell them that I didn't agree with the work because I didn't know and see what they say.