So you have moved into your flat which you purchased from the previous leaseholder.
Your only concern is that, whilst you know you have to pay service charges, you have not been sent a service charge demand by Firstport. So you make contact to ask for a service charge demand to be sent.
The Firstport customer advisor tells you not to worry. Apparently the previous leaseholder sold without paying his service charges, but Firstport will get back to you when the matter is resolved. So you are happy!
Unfortunately, you have just fallen into a very expensive trap, which firstport don't want you to be aware of until it is too late.
If you purchase a flat with service charges owing, the lease is in default. Therefore you have bought the lease that is in default. You are liable for the default and any recovery costs.
The exception is this. If Firstport send you a service charge demand, that serves as an acknowledgement that the lease is recognised as not being in default and thus you are no longer liable for previous service charges.
That is why, you will be advised that you have no need to worry. It is a trap.
