weenie Posted September 5, 2011 Report Share Posted September 5, 2011 Hi all, Have just bought a flat, purchase completed a few weeks ago. To enter the building, you need a security key fob, of which only one was given to me. I contacted the management company (RMG) and sent them a cheque for a copy key fob. RMG told me I couldn't have a copy of the key fob as I'm not registered as the owner of the property, despite their receiving the relevant transfer paperwork from my solicitor, because the management services account is in arrears, ie previous owner had not paid to date. Apparently, they are 'unable' to transfer the account into my name as they would have to transfer the arrears to me...yeah, I know ....but that's what they said! My solicitor was not aware that the account was in arrears, hence we didn't include any contingency in the settlement figure. She is onto the vendor's solicitor but not getting any joy. RMG were unable to advise what would happen if the arrears was never settled - I asked them who would be paying next year's fees then since it would still be in the previous owner's name - of course, they didn't know the answer... Not sure where I stand here, I don't want to have to pay off someone else's debt (sounds like it's about 5-6 months' worth of arrears) - but maybe I have to swallow it in the end? Anyone else have this problem before and if so, how was it resolved (if it was)? Maybe they think I'll relent cos I've asked for copies of the key fob, ie because of this, it's in MY interest to have the account in my name and in THEIR interests the arrears is paid..by someone. Any help much appreciated, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Right..... been there and done this! You have no liability for the other person's debt on property transfer. It is the the management's company responsibility to chase the debt owed to them.....not you. I'm sure your Sol. will be telling you the same. Having said that your Sol. should have checked with management company regarding any outstanding arrears and debt. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 This is another example of a poor service by a solicitor. Any service charge arrears is normally settled during the sale of the property. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carryon Regardless Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 I would have expected the questionnaire to the seller would have picked that up, if the truth was told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weenie Posted September 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Thanks for the replies all - seems I need to speak to my solicitor again to find out what can be done.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted September 12, 2011 Report Share Posted September 12, 2011 You might ALSO like to confirm with your solicitor that the Ground Rent payments are up to date as the rules concerning them are different to service charges as I believe any outstanding fees go with the property not the previous owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weenie Posted September 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2011 You might ALSO like to confirm with your solicitor that the Ground Rent payments are up to date as the rules concerning them are different to service charges as I believe any outstanding fees go with the property not the previous owner. Thanks Richlist, I shall check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.