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Roof repairs after selling

westclok
westclok Posts: 26 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi,

I sold my flat over a year ago and now the buyer wants me to pay for repairs needed to the roof.

3 years ago a neighbour reported a water leak into their property. Several members of the block of flats then got estimates for the repair. The work was never carried out.

The new owner now wants me to pay for the repairs.

Where do I stand on this?
«1

Comments

  • BitterAndTwisted
    BitterAndTwisted Posts: 22,492 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Do they know and can prove that you were aware of a necessary repair that was required to the roof which didn't get done?
  • ReadingTim
    ReadingTim Posts: 4,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    westclok wrote: »
    Where do I stand on this?

    You stand firm and tell them to jog on - that's what the buyers' survey was for! I'm sure your solicitor could draft a letter referring the new owner to the reply given in Arkell vs Pressdram, which should clarify the matter.
  • westclok
    westclok Posts: 26 Forumite
    BitterAndTwisted wrote: »
    Do they know and can prove that you were aware of a necessary repair that was required to the roof which didn't get done?

    Yes. I would challenge "necessary" though. The original problem was highlighted over 5 years ago. Nothing has been done due to no fault of mine. The evidence has me attending meetings and arranging estimates. A majority was never present to agree on the extent of the repairs required.
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Posts: 19,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Unless you were specifically asked by your purchaser if the roof needed repair and you replied "no", then you have no obligation in the matter.
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • DRP
    DRP Posts: 4,287 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    lincroft1710 wrote: »
    Unless you were specifically asked by your purchaser if the roof needed repair and you replied "no", then you have no obligation in the matter.


    it doesn't even sound like there was any kind of ongoing problem as the roof hasn't been repaired in 3 years...

    I would ignore them tbh.
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,237 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I am intrigued. Why does the buyer think that this is anything at all to do with you?

    Unless you lied in any answers you gave on our property information forms or in reply to questions from their conveyancer I can't see how you could possibly have any ongoing liability.
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
  • westclok
    westclok Posts: 26 Forumite
    TBagpuss wrote: »
    I am intrigued. Why does the buyer think that this is anything at all to do with you?

    Unless you lied in any answers you gave on our property information forms or in reply to questions from their conveyancer I can't see how you could possibly have any ongoing liability.

    I'm assuming it's because I attended meetings 2 years ago to discuss what repairs were potentially required.
  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    This is a flat. Would it not be the freeholder's problem?
  • ReadingTim
    ReadingTim Posts: 4,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    TBagpuss wrote: »
    I am intrigued. Why does the buyer think that this is anything at all to do with you?

    Probably because they've been landed with a big bill to fix the roof, and are trying to find a way of getting someone else to pay for it!
  • Jenniefour
    Jenniefour Posts: 1,396 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Mortgage-free Glee!
    Where you stand on it depends on how truthfully enquiries about pending repairs etc. were dealt with during the sale process. If the information given to the sellers, through solicitors, conflicts with what is contained in notes from meetings then, yes, you may be liable.

    Not repairing a leak for years is mismanagement, the flat owner owner affected should not have had to put up with that.
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