No “Free Ride” As Leaseholders Liable for Major Works.

George Bartlett QC, the President of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), has given judgement in favour of Southwark London Borough Council against two flat owners, who sought to avoid liability to pay for major works.

The works at Stanswood Gardens included asbestos removal, roof works, the renewal of the doors, windows and cladding panels at an estimated overall cost of £1,279,344. The flat owners argued they were not liable to pay because the costs had been incurred more than 18 months earlier, and were therefore improper.