Absent Owner and Nonpayment of Management Fees?

The owner of a flat in a development where I also own a property has not paid any fees or ground rent for at least four years and current arrears are approaching £5000.

I understand the flat, which was inherited by the current owner at that time, is in a poor state of repair and unliveable. He has been contacted by letter and email several times by the managing agents, but there has been no response. They now wish to use a solicitor to review the case and write to the owners.

This apparently will cost around £800 and if again, there is no response, will cost considerably more to then take it to the small claims court, which would be the next step.

I feel that this could be the top of a very costly slippery slope. I have suggested that an effort to speak to the owner and perhaps persuade him to sell the flat would be an alternative first step. However, I have been told by the agents that this is outside their remit.

As a director of the owners/residents assn., I have been asked for consent for the agents to proceed with solicitors, hence my involvement.

I would love to have other members’ advice or comments.

Anne