Solar Thermal Panels Leasehold Flat Decision

jamesh2702

What exactly does your solicitor think the legal difficulty is?

I asked the following to my solicitor: I'm purchasing a leasehold flat - it is my understanding that the freeholder has given a statement through the seller's solicitor that they are responsible for repair/maintaining the solar panels. If the freeholder has adequate building insurance is this enquiry not sufficiently complete?

My solicitor response: "The seller’s solicitors have provided answers to the questions raised about the solar panels. Unfortunately they have not provided evidence that their installation complies with building regulations or complies with the standards laid down by MCS (the nationally recognised quality assurance scheme). In view of this, we have had to report the position to your mortgage lender and await their response.”

As I said before the lender replied three times they didn't care as long as not leased panels.

I've done my own research MCS for solar thermal panels didn't seem to come in until 2013 properly as it looks as though it only was relevant for PV panels (and these certificates only started to be used the time of construction anyway). The building control must have signed off the panels so I don't really understand the issue.

I feel like it's an issue that isn't an issue but because it's been dragging on so long it does make me nervous.

edgex

So;
your lender says their not an issue
the freeholder says their not an issue
you don't consider them an issue (?)

realistically solar thermal panels are unlikely to ever be an issue, they require very little maintenance.

As for a 'picky buyer'. Well what is the situation going to be in 10 years time? There will be more solar (pv & thermal), so any 'picky buyer' at that time isn't going to be buying anything anyway.
Just put all the paperwork together, & keep it. (info on it being pre-MCS etc, lender happy etc)