Replacement windows in a leasehold flat?

Replacement windows in a leasehold flat?

14:18 PM, 20th December 2022, About 2 years ago 13

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Hello, The old uPVC windows in the leasehold flat I rent out need replacing but I am not clear if this is the responsibility of the Lessor or Lessee.
If it is my responsibility do I need the permission of the freeholder & can they charge for giving this?

The lease says:
“the Lessee shall not make any structural alteration in the premises without the written consent of the Lessor.”
Are windows classed as a “structural alteration?”

To confuse matters further, later in the lease it refers to “Reserved Property” which it lists as:
“all those main structural parts of the building forming part of the property , including the roofs, foundations & external parts thereof (but not the glass of the windows of the flats nor the interior faces of such of the external walls as bound the flat) & all cisterns, tanks, sewers, drains, pipes, wires, ducts & conduits not used solely for the purpose of the flat & the joists & beams.”

“The Lessor shall keep the Reserved Property & all fixtures & fittings therein & additions thereto in a good & tenantable state of repair decoration & condition including the renewal & replacement of all worn or damaged parts provided that nothing herein contained shall prejudice the Lessor’s right to recover from the Lessee or any other person the amount of value of any loss or damage suffered by or caused to the Lessor or the Reserved Property by the negligence or other wrongful act or default of such a person.”

Opinions would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

Kjo


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Kizzie

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17:50 PM, 21st December 2022, About 2 years ago

Again depends on wording in your lease. Is the lease tripartite (the management company acts on b/h of the Lessor and in separate covenant the (individual )Lessee) and the Leaseholder owns a share of the freehold held by the Management co. then the Leaseholders as the shareholders are the freeholders holding demised premises and the land in
trust. Meaning resolution put by directors to shareholders for consent to replacement windows and if others need replacing to get them done at same time and how to be paid for. It is not service charge under the lease if not included in the demise, it is an extra cost, and needs consent by all members/shareholders of the Management company.

Susan Bradley

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11:56 AM, 24th December 2022, About 2 years ago

In a lease on a flat we own it says the freeholder is responsible for the repair and painting of window frames so I sent the photos of the shabby frames and asked them what they were going to do about it. They directed me to the management company (different entity) and they said I could replace them but to get and keep in writing what the freeholder had said i.e. that I was referred to them. The management company told me that they charge some people but no others and she thought it all depended on who read the email about it!

Kizzie

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14:08 PM, 24th December 2022, About 2 years ago

Your lease is a legally binding contract on the parties to it. You said the wording in your lease states the freeholder ie the building owner, is responsible for replacement of windows.
It appears that the FH is attempting to push it on to the management co.
IMO I would serve notice on the FH of their legal contractual repair obligations in the lease. Get a quote and that you will proceed with repairs and forward the invoice to them for settlement. If FH does not settle then pursue in Small
Claims Court.
It is not a service charge dispute within the remit of the management company.

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