OVERLOOKING ground rent renewals could cost you a packet - and net landlords a fortune.

Tyldesley neighbours Allan Morris and Janet Harrop never had any worries over ground rent payments.

Allan has lived in Troutbeck Drive for 20 years and Janet for 18.

But a change of landlord landed them with unexpected bills.

They had always paid their dues, and, in the past, nobody bothered if they weren't exactly on time.

But since the changeover both have received what they consider extortionate demands from Simarc Property Management Limited of Middlesex:

Charges of more than £95 for "costs" incurred in chasing arrears, including a fee of £12 plus VAT per letter.

Infuriated Mr Morris said: "I've no doubt what they are doing is legal - but I don't think it is morally right.

"I bet they rub their hands together whenever people don't pay up on the dot. Just think if 1,000 people pay up - that's a tidy sum, nearly £100,000!"

And Mrs Harrop is threatening to take her complaint to MP Terry Lewis.

She said: "They are taking advantage because they are not locally-based. They don't want us to pay. They want us to fall behind. It's easy money."

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