Cassandra Zanelli

QUESTION Approx two and a half years ago a flat was left vacant after the death of the owner. It has remained so since, we are told by the executrix due to probate matters. Standing charges are fully paid and directors keep a voluntary eye on the flat to ensure it is wind and watertight as we hold a key. I do wonder if there are legal, insurance and other complications we should be aware of? It seems that the long period of vacancy MAY be coming to an end soon. ANSWER Many thanks for your enquiry. I am p

QUESTION We are shared freeholders and want to change an unclear clause in our leases. Can we draw up a Deed of Variation ourselves, or do we have to use a solicitor? ANSWER Although it is not mandatory for you to use a solicitor to draw up a Deed of Variation, it may be pertinent to do so. It seems to me you are experiencing firsthand the difficulties that can arise from unclear drafting and it would be a shame to repeat mistakes of the past. Deeds of Variation are important documents – they bind the cu

QUESTION We are a management company. Can you please tell me if there is a summons that we can use when a private leaseholder is late, sometimes months, in not getting their annual gas boiler serviced by a Gas Safety registered engineer? It is so frustrating to keep chasing wayward leaseholders, who are in the minority. 90% of residents provide without any prompting.​   ANSWER It’s assumed that the leaseholder is renting out the property so, as a landlord, they are responsible for the safety of their t

Service Charges are close to the hearts of many of us working in the property management industry. They are the lifeblood of any development. Payments are made by leaseholders to the landlord in exchange for services and it is a reciprocal relationship - many landlords are not-for-profit resident management companies, for whom service charges are their only source of income. The services landlords are required to provide, such as repairs, cleaning, insurance and management, can only be undertaken when lea