Do new freeholders have to honor old agreements?

Hi, I own a leasehold flat in a block that became derelict in 2021 after the flat above failed to repair the roof. To compensate for this, the freeholder, whom I knew, agreed to pay my rent with the understanding that once the roof was repaired, my property would also be reinstated.

Now the property has sold to a new freeholder through a forced sale at auction, £300,000 less than its value, through a Bridging loan company.

The new freeholders are saying that they will not take on the responsibility or agreement made with the previous freeholder. The Auction house is saying that they should take on the old responsibility and they should be aware of this. I’ve looked through the leasehold and there’s nothing specific to deal with this.

The new freeholder demands that I contribute to the roof repairs and refuses to pay for my lost rent since December 2023. I have a signed written statement from the previous freeholder outlining our agreement and records of payments made to my bank account. However, we are no longer on speaking terms.

The sale particulars stated that the new purchaser/freeholder had to make their own checks, which they didn’t do. Is it common for new freeholders to take on the old freeholder’s agreements? Will this be straightforward in court since the new freeholder is adamant about not paying?

Thanks,

Uneiza