Q. My neighbours and I have a difficult relationship with our landlord. How do we gain more control over our service charges and our building?
A: If you do not want to buy the freehold of the building, you may be entitled to set up a “Right to Manage” company compelling your landlord to pass the management of the building to you or allow you to appoint your own managing agent. A majority of you will have to participate in order to qualify and an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal will be necessary. However, since you do not have to buy the freehold, this can be a more cost effective way of gaining a degree of control. We can advise you on how to set up a Right to Manage Company and claim the right from your landlord.

Q. I live in a leasehold property and the landlord has now presented me with a very large service charge demand. I think it is excessive, can I challenge it?
A. Before incurring large costs in such circumstances the landlord will have to follow certain consultation processes. If they have not then the amount that can be claimed may be capped. If the consultation is carried out then sums claimed must be in compliance with the terms of the Lease and the cost of any works must be reasonably incurred. You are entitled to make an Application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to determine these issues.

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