My first time so I hope this is the right forum.
I am the freeholder of a property with 5 flats. I also own 4 out of the 5 flats. I have a highly regarded management company (MC) complying with necessary laws & regulations.
The lady (leasholder) of the 5th flat has been nothing but trouble over many years. She has always been late on paying service charges and almost every year the MC recovers the money from the the mortgage company and/or small courts route.
This year (2013) she hasnt paid at all. She asked many questions of the MC and they answered everything she wanted. Annual Budget, Certified Accounts etc. The MC has been sending her notices and she finally says she wants to go to court.
The judgement is set for 18th December. I have no idea on what she could be using as her defence. The MC company are using solicitors and will attend/prepare for the courts.
Being just a small block - I am not sure how well the MC will preapre/defend. They nirmally manage 100+ Unit Blocks.
Is there anything I could be doing to ensure success?
I have been very good with the lady - but has never really cared. Being on a high floor, she has had many water leaks that she has never fixed properly and it keeps happening. Once the whole ceiling in the flat below her collapssed. The leak kept on happening - and the insurance kept on paying for the repair. I have dozens of photos of the damage.
In teh car park she awlays makes sure she doesnt park in the slot allocated to her - causing issues with other residents. Anyway - guess all this isnt that important.
Just dont want her to get away on some 'technicality'. All 4 flats are paying and she is not.
Any suggestions/advice would be very much appreciated
