Croydon leaseholders face home repossession over service charges
Residents without gas for six months were given less than a day to pay thousands in service charges and fees.
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Nineteen leaseholders at Admiral Court in Croydon have been without hot water and heating for over six months, facing demands for immediate payment of service charges and threats of losing their homes. The gas supply was cut off on 4 March 2026 due to concerns about potentially dangerous leaks.
Grangeford Asset Management, acting on behalf of the freeholder, issued emails to some residents demanding a lump-sum payment of £3,918, which represents the full year's service charge, by the end of the day. This demand was accompanied by an additional fee of up to £1,000 for debt collection. Residents, who previously paid their service charges monthly, were warned that failure to comply would result in forfeiture proceedings to repossess their properties.
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Residents' experiences and legal advice
George Ainsworth, one of the affected leaseholders, described receiving the demand email while taking his wife to hospital for surgery. He stated that Grangeford gave them only six hours to pay the £3,918. Mr Ainsworth believes the additional £1,000 fee is an arbitrary charge, possibly intended to cover legal costs associated with the freeholder's pursuit of funds for remedial works. The original developer of the building, UK Land Assets, has since gone into liquidation.
Russell Conway, a senior partner at Oliver Fisher Solicitors specialising in repossession law, told the BBC that threats of repossession within a few days are unrealistic. He explained that forfeiture proceedings are complex and can take up to a year if contested. Conway advised residents to challenge such demands, particularly the high debt collection fees, at the first-tier tribunal. He also noted that service charges themselves can be disputed, especially when basic amenities are not being provided.
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Some residents have paid the demanded sums due to fear, while others have disputed the charges, describing the tactics as bullying. Warwick Estates, the managing agent for the blocks, stated it was not involved in the decision-making process regarding these demands and referred inquiries to the freeholder. Grangeford Asset Management has not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.
Rising service charges
The service charge for the flats at Admiral Court has significantly increased over recent years. Mr Ainsworth reported that the charge rose from approximately £1,200 in the first year of occupancy to around £3,500 in recent years, compounding the financial pressure on residents who are also dealing with the lack of essential services.
Questions this report answers
+Why have residents at Admiral Court lost their gas supply?
Around 19 leaseholders at Admiral Court in Croydon have been without a gas supply since 4 March 2026. This is due to concerns identified about potentially dangerous leaks within the building.
+What demands have residents received from Grangeford Asset Management?
Grangeford Asset Management, representing the freeholder, demanded a lump-sum payment of £3,918 for service charges and an additional £1,000 debt-collection fee. This payment was requested within a single day, with threats of repossession if not met.
+How much have service charges increased for these flats?
The service charge for the flats at Admiral Court has risen substantially. It increased from approximately £1,200 in the first year of occupancy to about £3,500 in recent years, adding to the financial burden on leaseholders.
+What legal advice has been given regarding the repossession threats?
Legal experts have stated that threats of repossession within a few days are unrealistic and that forfeiture proceedings are complex and lengthy. Residents are advised to challenge demands, especially high debt collection fees, at the first-tier tribunal.
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