Ok, thanks. At the time of the sale our solicitors pretty much messed it up I guess... Just answering mariner51's question - it's an old building, which has been divided into flats at a later time. The freeholder added 2 flats at some point (adding an extra level to the side of the building), but except for these new flats, he does not own any of the flats. The leaseholder we bought from was a third person.

They should have sent demands to the leaseholder at the time within 18 months of the money being due, shouldn't they?

The thing is that the only thing that they have sent us is a letter asking for that money. No proof that it has been spent (accounts, etc.), no proof that it has not been paid by the previous leaseholder. Can they still claim as they do not own the freehold and that they have recovered the arrears from the new freeholder? Thanks.

We bought a flat(to rent out) in 2012 and for 6 months our solicitors could not get hold of the freeholder, so finally gave up and declared them uncontactable. Early in 2013 the freeholder resurfaced claiming ground rent, building insurance and money for emergency works 6 back to 2007 just by sending a letter giving a summary of all alleged costs, no proper demand. We requested to see invoices, proof that relevant notices have been sent to the previous leaseholder, the freeholder's company accounts for the relevant periods, etc., but not any of those have been provided. Then early this year they have taken us to small court, but have provided the court with the property address, and not our actual address where we reside. So following the delay in communication a CCJ was issued as we simply could not communicate with the court in time. We have had a hearing and the judgement has been set aside. So we are facing a hearing and we are unsure of how we should proceed. In the meanwhile, just very recently, the freeholder sold the freehold at auction, and there were special clauses in the auction stating that whoever buys the freehold must cover for the claimed arrears as well. Although the case with the old freehold is still on, would the new freeholder have any rights as to claim from us again? We have seen no documental proof of expenses made, the previous leaseholder claims nothing was owed at the time of sale. Not sure where to start!