#leaseholders

#leaseholders

The Court of Appeal ruling states that building owners and developers cannot recoup costs from leaseholders for fire safety remediation work. This significant decision has ramifications for who bears the financial burden of building safety-related costs moving forward. In light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, safety issues were identified in older buildings. The ruling specifies that building owners cannot charge leaseholders for fire safety defects discovered prior to 2022, with the retrospective application of the Building Safety Act 2022 favoring leaseholders and residents.

Zoe Goodman, a leaseholder at Pitcairn House, expressed frustration over the service charges she pays, stating it's 'bonkers' to pay for such an 'abysmal' repair service. She highlighted that while she spends a significant amount on service charges, residents in better-managed private properties pay less for superior amenities. Goodman emphasized that leaseholders are effectively compensating for the council's negligence regarding investment in essential repairs, noting their grievances with ongoing leak issues and inadequate service.