999 year leashold property

[mufi]

I own a house built 1935 where the land is on a 999 year lease. This used to be collected twice a year by a solicitor but I have not had a request to pay for around 15 years. I do not know who owns the leashold. If I cannot find who to pay, and in consideration of the length of time I have not had a demand, is there any solution to this situation.

[Maud]

I can give you two links which you may find helpful. By clicking on this one and following the instructions you can easily find the name and address of the freeholder

 

http://www.landregisteronline.gov.uk/servlet/TitleSearchServlet

 

You only need to see the Register which costs �2. Don't worry if you do not know the Title No, it works perfectly well on address and postcode only.

[Maud]

The second one is this

 

http://www.leaseholdadvicecentre.co.uk

 

Press their "Contact Us" button you will find various ways to get in touch with them. If you set out all of your problems with your leasehold you will receive free expert advice in return.

[Didwot]

The Limitation Act may come to your help. You ought to be able to claim the freehold of the house. See your solicitor

[Maud]

The Limitation Acts have nothing whatsoever to do with a leaseholder being able to purchase a freehold. If you just set out your problem by e-mail to the Leasehold Advice Centre as they request you will receive accurate and up to date advice which you can trust.

[Didwot]

Did I say Purchase? Section 17 of th Limitation Act provides that, ath the end of the limitation period for your landlord being able to seek to recover possession of the land (eg because you had not paid the ground rent) his title is extinguished. It certainly works for periodic tenancies. I do not immedialtely know of a precedent for long leases.