Can I ask estate agents to change locks

eddddy

Surrey_EA wrote: »

Originally Posted by stator
Why?
Doing it twice is the most sensible option. Changing the locks once you've completed is no help if there's an old tenant refusing to leave.

Check the property on day of completion to ensure there is no remaining tenant, before authorising solicitor to release funds.

If there is someone remaining at the property on completion day, the vendor has not provided vacant possession and funds for completion should not be transferred.

Which is all good - except that all your belongings are packed up in a removal van, you've taken a day off work and now you need to find a good property litigation solicitor.

You can never protect yourself 100%, but if getting the locks changed before exchange reduces the risk, it's worth pushing for.

G_M

Many people have suggested changing the locks following Completion. This is, of course, always sensible.

However it does not answer the specifi question raised by the OP. He is concerned about an ex tenant accessing the property either before/after Exchange but before Completion.

Yes, legally the seller has to provide vacant possession & the legal/financial liability would be the seller's if the tenant re-occupied.

But as edddy says above, that is poor consolation when you are wanting to get into your new home and can't!

davidmcn

It seems a rather remote risk. I've never heard of a former tenant letting themselves back in - I don't think that being an alcoholic is an indication that it's likely here, unless the OP has omitted to tell us something.

stator

Surrey_EA wrote: »

Check the property on day of completion to ensure there is no remaining tenant, before authorising solicitor to release funds.

If there is someone remaining at the property on completion day, the vendor has not provided vacant possession and funds for completion should not be transferred.

Then your buyers will sue for damages, you can try and sue the vendor for damages but there's no guarantee of success if they don't have the money or have left the country or disappeared.