How can I find out who I should be paying my ground rent to? We bought our house nearly 50 years ago, but for the last two years our cheques have been returned, and our solicitors haven’t had any luck in tracing the person we should be paying now. I’d like to clear up this minefield.
If your house is registered at the Land Registry the land certificate should show the last registered owner of the freehold. If your property isn’t registered and your title deeds don’t reveal the identity or whereabouts of the freehold owner you will appreciate your solicitor’s problem! Following a change in the law ground rent is not payable unless you receive a demand for it. So if you receive a ground rent demand pay it, and make sure you observe the terms of your lease.