How to manage regular maintenace of freehold property by four freeholders.?

Question

We wish to manage the upkeep of our freehold property by ourselves. The building is in need of some urgent external structural repairs. We have received the quotes and now need to raise the funds. One shareholder does not have enough to contribute. We are considering borrowing the amount of the shortfall from a bank. Any advice, website details, etc. would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It is the responsibility of each freehold shareholder to make their own contribution to common repairs.

If one does not have enough, either scale back the work to be done (yes, the holes in the roof do need fixing,. but do you really need double glazing or the lawn mowing ?) and/or ask him to sort out a loan or mortgage ..

If he can not afford a loan, but is otherwise credit worthy (get a Credit Rating on him = people lie about their situation) the other 3 might lend him the money, perhaps as an interest free loan, from their own personal finances.

For sure the rest of you should not pay his share (except as a loan).

If all else fails, he will have to be encouraged to sell up and go .. any buyer would have to be told about the outstanding work that needs doing and maybe will take these responsibilities more seriously ..

If failing to carry out the work would make a major impact to the value of the property (for example, subsidance, flood damage etc) you may have to 'buy him out'.