How do we deal with this tricky S20 situation?

How do we deal with this tricky S20 situation?

0:03 AM, 27th July 2023, About 9 months ago 2

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Hello, I have a nightmare freeholder. We are leaseholders of 3 apartments, in a block of 3. We had a bad leak from the flat roof into our apartment and the freeholder refused to repair it, which is typical. He has the obligation under the lease terms etc. We got the council involved who forced his hand with the threat of fines etc.

4 months later he sent us a quote to do a “proper repair” using GRP roof, not felt, which we were happy with as it should last longer. We agreed the quote and confirmed in writing that he could forgo the statutory S20 consultation process as we had agreed the scope of works plus the contractor and the work needed to be done as it was November and time was running out weather-wise.

The work was done, however, it was a totally different solution, he had changed his mind and gone ahead with a felt replacement roof, without telling us. That is the first issue.

The second issue is that the workmanship is dreadful. Fascias are softwood and not even painted, raw wood exposed. The roof work itself looks iffy, and I am sure will not last long before we get leaks again

Lastly. And you won’t believe this, or maybe you will?

A few months later he emailed me about the roof and by mistake forwarded an email from the roofer to him, saying “As agreed I have reduced your element, between us by £400” but kept the invoice at the higher sum. So, potential fraud?

So, now the SC demand has dropped and I am unsure how to play it. Ask for a bank statement with the sum paid? Get a roofing company  in to do a report? Say he did not adhere to the non S20 agreement and changed the scope of work, without consultation. Only offer £250 per apartment as per non S20 agreement?

What does the Property118 community on here think the best route is? Any opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Paul


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Comments

Kizzie

13:51 PM, 27th July 2023, About 9 months ago

This is a complex situation and legal advice from properly experienced in leasehold solicitors be obtained re failure to comply with s. 20 consultation prejudicing LHs.
One option is for LHs to apply to the FTT under s. 19 of 85 Act challenging reasonableness of costs and thereby limiting Landlords recovery under service charge via alternative route so it remains in landlords interest to comply with any conditions attached.
There is a lot of recent case law re section 20.

Crossed_Swords

14:00 PM, 27th July 2023, About 9 months ago

All of the above! Even if you agreed in writing he still should have gone to the tribunal for permission to go ahead, you don't have the authority to give that permission

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