Water

anmarj

We are hopefully completing and exchanging this week on the sale of our masionette. We know the buyers are a buy to let investor and not staying in this country. Would it best to turn water off at the mains when we leave? We had planned on flicking the switch on the electricity but was not sure about the
water. There is a flat below us.

Thank you

boo_star

Just take a meter reading that you and the buyer are happy with?

anmarj

I am in Scotland, so we don’t have a meter to read. Just more worried that if something happens even though we don’t own it anymore after we go, the downstairs flat will not know who to get in touch with. We have informed the factors who the new buyers are.

boo_star

anmarj wrote: »

I am in Scotland, so we don’t have a meter to read. Just more worried that if something happens even though we don’t own it anymore after we go, the downstairs flat will not know who to get in touch with. We have informed the factors who the new buyers are.

Then just let them know when you've moved out.

You're massively overthinking this.

eddddy

anmarj wrote: »

We are hopefully completing and exchanging this week on the sale of our masionette. We know the buyers are a buy to let investor and not staying in this country. Would it best to turn water off at the mains when we leave? We had planned on flicking the switch on the electricity but was not sure about the
water. There is a flat below us.

Yes - you can turn off the water to be on the safe side, as the flat will be empty.

There's the risk that there may be a leak you haven't noticed, or a cistern with a dodgy ball valve etc. Turning off the water main will limit the damage it can cause.

Obviously, if there were freezing temperatures the risks would be much higher.

Maybe leave a note somewhere obvious, saying the water, electricity etc is switched off, and where to turn it back on.

anmarj

Boo-star, I asked a perfectly valid question, no need to be rude about it.

Thank you eddddy.

AdrianC

Their property, their problem. It wouldn't be normal to turn water or electricity off, and may actually cause problems. If they think it's a wise precaution, then it's their responsibility to take it.

babyblade41

On completion it is no longer your responsibility. Just take all meter readings obviously not water but that is your bit done... up to the new owner from completion day onwards

davidmcn

I wouldn't worry about it either way. I'd expect any buyer would arrange for at least an initial inspection immediately after settlement, and they can work out then what best to do with the water. Assuming you've given the usual warranties in the missives about service media etc, they've only got five working days to intimate any problems.

martindow

I would just leave water, electricity and heating running - it is up to the buyer to arrange for somebody to look after the maisonette once they've bought it.


If you turn the electricity off you would also stop the heating. I don't know how much risk there is of frost where you are but you don't want to do anything that could cause a problem.



As you're in Scotland there is potentially some comeback from the buyer for a few days after the sale.

anmarj

i know once we do things on Friday its no longer our problem, just have to keep our fingers crossed for the week then!