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[Sarah B]

Not sure it would have been free exactly, just included in the cost of purchase.

The ground rent will be set to peppercorn as standard as they already own the freehold, any legal fees should be allowed for in the lease. You can keep the ground rent if you wish but you won't be able to increase...

[Sarah B]

"not without such licence as aforesaid to make any alteration in the plan" - this kinda means no, as a loft room would require a new plan. Also you haven't established whether the loft belongs to the flat anyway, quite often they don't.

But if your heart is set, get a professional...

[Sarah B]

You need permission to do this, anything which might impact the buildings insurance needs permission. You also need to check that it's OK to use the chimney whatever you do as it might need sweeping (all the way up) or in fact may not have been inspected. Just because there is a fireplace does not mean...

[Sarah B]

A private negotiation is not illegal and does not have to comply with the statutory terms, this is a typical offer. However as you say it is too high although the statutory route is lengthy. When the new legislation comes in it is proposed to be 999 years so if I were you I would wait for that...

[Sarah B]

My father's bank advised me not to tell them officially (I had authority to use it) until everything was sorted. I would ask your bank if they accept money after death, I don't know. I would then arrange another signatory while you are still fit and well or leave your password somewhere for safe keeping....

[Sarah B]

Here is chapter and verse on your query

The Reasonableness of Insurance Premiums - The Leasehold Advisory Service (lease-advice.org)

NB I think you're in the wrong forum section, you should be in Long Leasehold Questions

[Sarah B]

If the RMC has owner details they should register with the ICO for GDPR reasons. It is not expensive, £35 pa.

[Sarah B]

Your block no longer comes under the EWS1 ruling as it is under the height requirement recently announced. However, £636 seems quite cheap for cladding replacement so I would check what it is for.

[Sarah B]

All debts have to be paid before the estate is distributed. The worry for you is who is the executor. If it's a non-professional, they may not know this. However if the flat is to change hands they will have to notify you as the freeholder as you will be asked for an information pack and confirmation...

[Sarah B]

I always ask for a copy of the lease, often get the same response as you but simply say I won't make an offer without it. Chances are the estate agent won't have been given it but they can ask for it. Alternatively you can get it from Land Registry for £7.