Someone else picking up keys

DoraUK

My boyfriend bought a new build flat off-plan.

As he travels a lot for business he asked at a meeting with the agency back in April about whether someone else could pick up the keys on completion day. They said yes no probs.

For the past three weeks we have been told (and they have repeatedly confirmed) that his completion date will be tomorrow. Due to a surveyor forgetting some of his equipment this week :mad:, it has been delayed to next week.

On Sunday, he goes on a work trip for two weeks. When he found out the new date he confirmed that I will be picking up the keys. They said that for legal reasons I can't do that :mad: And are now denying they ever said I could.

Is it legal reasons, or is it just their policy? If it is actually a legal thing, is there a way round it. Could I get power of attorney or something similar?

TLDR: Can I pick up the keys to the flat where my boyfriend is sole purchaser

phatbear

not sure if this helps but.

when we recently completed on our house i collected the keys from the estate agents but they had never met me and didnt ask for any i.d etc so its not beyond the realms of possibility to get someone to pick the keys up on his behalf.

oh also when i bought my flat 3 years ago the same thing happened i introduced myself and no id was asked for etc

G_M

To really cover things he could grant you a POA.

You would then legally be able to do whatever he can legally do.

davidmcn

I can't think of any legal reasons, and tbh it's hardly unusual for someone else to pick up the keys on the purchaser's behalf. I'm sure he can get his solicitor to sort it out.

jjlandlord

Once completion has taken place the property and the keys belong to your boyfriend.
So if he tells the agent to give them to you then they should give them to you.

Instructing the agent in writing would cover the agent's backside. That is the only thing they could (and should) ask before handing the keys to a third party, IMHO.

TBagpuss

Yes, he should write a letter to the agents confirming that he authorises them to release the keys to you on his behalf and reminding them that he specifically checked with them and was assured on more than one occasion
that this would not be an issue.

One the property completes, the flat, and keys, belong to your boyfriend and the agency has no legal right to withhold them from him or his authorised representative.

BaxUk

As others have said, shouldnt be any problem in a third party picking up the keys, so long as your other half has let them know before hand and confirmed with them his wises - I would get your boyfriend to get in touch with them ASAP to explain the situation again

DoraUK

Hi all,

Thanks so much for your help/suggestions, it's been really reassuring.

For anyone who comes across this thread who is in a similar position based on G_M's suggestion I looked up a 'General Power of Attorney', which is when you instruct someone to act on your behalf for a set period of time if you are out of country/in hospital. The only condition is that you have to be mentally capable. You can draft one yourself and get anyone to witness it. But if you are a novice like me, if you search there are templates you can use for about £10.

The more long-term option is the lasting power of attorney (which you register with government for about £100) which doesn't become invalid when you are mentally incapable.

My boyfriend rang today and got someone more senior who said I could pick up keys, but that they wouldn't give me the new home demonstration, which includes making a note of the meter readings.

I'm currently seeing whether they can do new home demo with him, but meter readings with me. As I wouldn't be able to use any appliances.

G_M

Jus read the meters yourself and take photos of them too.

Hoploz

New home demonstration?
What, they're going to show you how a home works?!

This is where you will put your bed, this is where you will put your food ...

Blimey. I hope this invaluable service is not an Extra that you've been charged for!

t0rt0ise

You wouldn't want them to read the meters. You'd have to check them and take photos anyway and contact the suppliers to ensure you are registered with them before you look around for a cheaper supplier.


It may be useful to have someone show you / him how the boiler works and so on, but you could probably work it out for yourself.