How to deal with post settlement adjustment disputes/mistakes

Hi all
I settled on a property and the body corp fees were split for the appropriate quarter, but I now have a bill adjusting the BC fees to the amount it was meant to be from June 18. Therefore there is backpay required.

I emailed my solicitor no response. Emailed the previous owners one, also no response

Any way to deal with this? Or i wont have a chance?

Thank you

 

Check your documentation. Your settlement statement should show a credit for body corporate fees from the vendor.

If the body quarter bill had not been issued, settlement would have included an adjustment where the vendor paid you for the proportion of bc fees up to the date of sale. Then when the bill comes in, you pay the full amount because the vendor has already given you his share.
Marg

 

Its quite normal that settlement adjustments occur and are included in the price paid. Its possible that the vendor gave allowance for the arrears in a reduction to the price paid and now you are liable for the payment (since you are the owner) BUT if its OTP its also possible there was a clause which excluded this. Most developers will sneak that through (and it is legit). Or the strata wont be finalised until after the OTPs settle and later the arrears of levies get billed to the first occupancy date

Worth review of the settlement adjustment sheet. And then have it in your hands when you speak to the solicitor so you can make sense of what they explain.

You cant seek advice from the former owners solicitor.