Building regs and "unstable" tenant

Yorkie1

If they are minded to use the B Regs situation, then they can do it whether they stay (bargaining lever) or you evict them (sour grapes). So it's best to leave that out of the equation and start with a clean slate as you've decided to do.

G_M

Admit I skim-read the thread but my instinct is different to others'.

1) Aside from the purchase process which is in the past, these are good tenants? No damage? Regular rent?
2) You want to continue renting the property out?
3) So stick with the tenants you know!

4) How long ago was the chimney brest removed?
5) Are you (or will you be) satisfied it is safe?
6) if 4) is 'some time ago' and 5) is 'yes', then forget getting retrospective Building Regs. The LA is unlikely to enforce anything after a year or 2
7) Get an indemnity policy, for yourself and any future buyer. Do NOT contact the council as this will invalidate the insurance.

Obviously if there is any doubt about the structural integrity of the chimney taht's a different kettle of fish.

Wordsmith

Thanks, G_M.

1. Yes, excellent tenants. The house and garden are much better looked after than when I lived there! Rent has never been late.
2. Probably.
3. My instinct as well ... although I am not so sure I can trust them now.
4. Chimney breast removed in 2003.
5. I am happy it is safe, but I have asked the letting agent to instruct a structural engineer to look at it to make sure. And a builder to quote for the work, if I need to get it done.
6. No comment to this ... but I hope you're right.
7. This is what my solicitor advised, and I'd be happy to go along with it (no. 5 above notwithstanding). Do you think most potential buyers would be happy with that? Perhaps it would help if I can produce the structural engineer's (hopefully favourable) report, too.

I absolutely agree that safety is of paramount importance.

G_M

From what you say you can trust them as tenants but not as buyers!

2003? :T

Get the work checked out for safety - then decide.

Future buyers? Yes, some might be put off but indemnity insurance seems pretty commonplace these days and 10 year old works.....

Soot2006

Btw, I was given a quote for £700 to remove chimney from roof and loft .... which is the other option, as then no masonry waiting to fall down one day.

When I had my chimney removed I was given option of taking out the lot - expensive, but safer. Or taking out the breasts in the rooms only, having structural engineer determine what type of steel girder required to hold up the stuff left in the loft. Cheaper but more of a faff and also uglier because of the steel girder.