Shared responsibility for roofing repairs, when moving

BoyWithTheBlues

Hello all,

Set to complete a move in a couple of weeks time, have exchanged (well, live in Scotland so missives have been concluded) so just playing the waiting game now.

The neighbouring landlord of my current property wants to complete some roofing repairs imminently, I learned today. They have just had tenants leave a couple of weeks ago so are renovating to get some new tenants in the new year.

Is this likely to be my responsibility or the responsibility of the incoming owners to contribute? Yes, I am the current owner for the new few days, but if I were to receive my share of the bill on say, my last day in the property, would I still be expected to contribute towards major works?

It's a 1890s style tenement style construction where four joined properties have shared responsibility for the roof.

Any insight very much appreciated.

And a happy new year when it comes!

Pixie5740

BoyWithTheBlues wrote: »

Hello all,

Set to complete a move in a couple of weeks time, have exchanged (well, live in Scotland so missives have been concluded) so just playing the waiting game now.

The neighbouring landlord wants to complete some roofing repairs imminently, I learned today. They have just had tenants leave a couple of weeks ago so are renovating to get some new tenants in the new year.

Is this likely to be my responsibility or the responsibility of the incoming owners to contribute? Yes, I am the current owner for the new few days, but if I were to receive my share of the bill on say, my last day in the property, would I still be expected to contribute towards major works?

It's a 1890s style tenement style construction where four joined properties have shared responsibility for the roof.

Any insight very much appreciated.

And a happy new year when it comes!

If you've concluded the missives why are you still playing the waiting game? Do you not have a date of entry?

It sounds like the owner of a neighbouring property would like to carry out roof repairs, not that they have been done, or that's there even an agreement between all the owners to do the work so I suspect the bill for any work done will be coming your way. What has your solicitor advised?

BoyWithTheBlues

Pixie5740 wrote: »

If you've concluded the missives why are you still playing the waiting game? Do you not have a date of entry?

It sounds like the owner of a neighbouring property would like to carry out roof repairs, not that they have been done, or that's there even an agreement between all the owners to do the work so I suspect the bill for any work done will be coming your way. What has your solicitor advised?

Yes, we have a date of entry in a couple of weeks time and are just counting down the days now. Everything is in place for that to happen.

The repairs haven't been done yet. The landlord mentioned their intentions to get them done however. Which could happen before I leave. Or it could be after, in which case I guess it would be for the new owners to deal with rather than me as previous owner.

In our title deeds all 4 properties share resposnbility for the roof, so I think the landlord that wants work done can just crack on and invoice us all for a quarter of the cost. Sorry if I'm mistaken on that.

Pixie5740

Sorry, I read your opening post as in the new place you were buying was going to have roof repairs carried out imminently rather than the one you're selling. I suspect your buyers might be lumbered with the bill since missives have been concluded.

https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/repairs_and_bad_conditions/repairs_and_maintenance_in_common_areas/paying_for_common_repairs

BoyWithTheBlues

Pixie5740 wrote: »

Sorry, I read your opening post as in the new place you were buying was going to have roof repairs carried out imminently rather than the one you're selling. I suspect your buyers might be lumbered with the bill since missives have been concluded unless your neighbours are very quick about getting the repairs done.

Apologies. I quickly edited my post to make that clearer. You must have replied before my edit was submitted. Thanks for the insight. Guess it hinges on how quickly landlord looks to get reapirs done.

Pixie5740

BoyWithTheBlues wrote: »

Apologies. I quickly edited my post to make that clearer. You must have replied before my edit was submitted. Thanks for the insight. Guess it hinges on how quickly landlord looks to get reapirs done.

We missed each other's edits. I think it might be hard cheese for your buyers even if the neighbours are quick about it.

agrinnall

I know they'll probably be closed until Thursday but your solicitor is the right person to answer this question.

Gers

Is there not a factor? If so their involvement is necessary when costs are shared.

One person can't commit to repairs without consulting with others who share financial responsibility.

jennifernil

BoyWithTheBlues wrote: »

Yes, we have a date of entry in a couple of weeks time and are just counting down the days now. Everything is in place for that to happen.

The repairs haven't been done yet. The landlord mentioned their intentions to get them done however. Which could happen before I leave. Or it could be after, in which case I guess it would be for the new owners to deal with rather than me as previous owner.

In our title deeds all 4 properties share resposnbility for the roof, so I think the landlord that wants work done can just crack on and invoice us all for a quarter of the cost. Sorry if I'm mistaken on that.

Not usually the case, any work that needs done on common parts such as the roof needs to be agreed to by the majority of the owners, so in this case that would be 3 out of the 4.

Unusual too for there to be only 4 properties in a tenement.

The correct way is to get 3 quotes then the owners meet to discuss. which, if any, to accept

moneysaver

BoyWithTheBlues wrote: »

The landlord mentioned their intentions to get them done however. Which could happen before I leave. Or it could be after, in which case I guess it would be for the new owners to deal with rather than me as previous owner.

Sounds like you have answered your own question. If you are still the owner when roof gets done why would you expect the new owners to pay?


If I were your buyer I would not be willing to pay any repair costs while you owned the property.





Moneysaver

diggingdude

unless it is emergency work i wouldn't agree to anything whilst it was still mine