I have been a leaseholder with London Borough of Islington for over 40 years and have been subjected to unjustified charges for repairs and major works.
The most recent estimate I was upset to receive was a bill of up to £44,00 and had to work with the council to reduce the scope of the works without resorting to legal action. The LBI know leaseholders can rarely afford legal action. This abuse of power puts low-income leaseholders such as I at risk of bankruptcy and homelessness.
LBI in 2024 followed up with another letter for Major Works to take place during 2025 which had previously been undertaken in 2019. With the support of the Islington Leaseholders Association I was able to challenge the Major Works schedule and these works were eventually withdrawn, but only after waiting a agonising eight months for a decision to be made.
I currently exist in a state of financial insecurity, and a constant state of anxiety and worry. I worry for my mental health as I am unable to ever switch off living in a never-ending spiral of fear, fight and eventual flight.
I live in panicked state as to whether I can afford to stay in my home in an area I truly love.
“An extremely concerned Leaseholder”