Unfair cladding laws may ruin homeowners

THE passing of the Fire Safety Act makes freehold owners of apartment blocks legally responsible for the safety of their buildings. They will have to take urgent steps to carry out remedial work, which is obviously a good thing.

However, the ramifications for leaseholders are formidable and in many cases will lead to financial ruin. Freeholders will pass the costs onto leaseholders by way of increased service charges that could easily amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

For thousands of leaseholders, payment may be beyond their means, with the possible outcome that they will lose their property and are made homeless.

I am appalled that MPs voted against the Lords’ amendments designed to protect leaseholders.

It appears that previous government statements that leaseholders would be protected were no more than empty words. The rights of blameless leaseholders have been out-weighed by the interests of the taxpayer.

Yes, the Building Safety Fund is designed to protect leaseholders, but it applies only to apartment blocks that are at least 18 metres high, does not cover non-cladding remedial works and for many people has proved almost impossible to access.

At the end of last year, 2,784 buildings had registered for funding under the scheme, but only 65 had been allowed to proceed to a formal application.

Leaseholders have been let down by the Government and face a difficult and uncertain future.

MICHAEL D. DYER, Orpington, Gtr London.