Freeholders' obligations

The freeholders are responsible for the framework and structure of the building. This includes the roof, the gutters, the common parts, the drains, the boundary walls and fences around the property, including the garden. The costs of this are chargeable to all leaseholders via service charges.

Leaseholders must seek permission from the freeholders to remove or make any structural changes within their flats.

Every year, we will send copies of the accounts to leaseholders.

Service charges

Service charges are payable twice a year, on 31st March and 30th September. A budget will be delivered in March/April every year. This includes buildings insurance, accountants' fees, legal fees, gardening and maintenance of the common parts, cleaning and maintenance of the common parts, and intended works/special projects.

At present, we are employing Ringleys to handle service charges. They will also chase up payments. Late payments have a surcharge payable by individual leaseholders to Ringleys Legal.

Current service charge breakdown

• Flat 1: pays 1/3rd
• Flat 2: pays 1/6th
• Flat 3: pays 1/6th
• Flat 4: pays 1/3rd

Any works over £750 are subject to a Section 20 process, which incurs a legal fee of approximately £850 by Ringleys Legal.

We are currently not charging anything for our management of the building.

Ground rent

Ground rent is payable once a year to the directors/St Cuthberts Rd (RMC) Ltd. Presently it is £125 per annum and issued on 25th March every year.

Legally, this is essential for leaseholders to pay. Failure to pay this within 14 days of our request could start proceedings for forfeiture of your lease.