Buying a flat with a wooden floor that the lease says no wooden floors are allowed

9to5nomore

Not sure what to do about it, the vendor says it's fine and none of the neighbours have complained. But couldn't they just ask me at any time to replace the 120 sqm at a huge expense?

G_M

Yes, the freeholder could insist you comply with the terms of the lease.


This is unlikely to happen unless someone (usually the flat below!) complains. Worth knocking on their door for a chat (that's always a good idea before buying anyway). Though remember they may move and someone new move in......

Cakeguts

Only buy the flat if you are prepared to take the wooden flooring up and replace it with carpet. If you are not prepared to do that don't buy it and don't pay extra because it looks nicer with wood flooring instead of carpet. You need to factor replacing the flooring with carpet into the price you are paying.

bouicca21

Does the vendor have permission from the freeholder for the wooden floor?

AdrianC

9to5nomore wrote: »

Not sure what to do about it, the vendor says it's fine and none of the neighbours have complained. But couldn't they just ask me at any time to replace the 120 sqm at a huge expense?

Yes, they absolutely could. The flat is currently in breach of the lease. "But I bought it like that" makes no difference, nor does "Nobody's complained before".

SmashedAvacado

Get a rug?

princeofpounds

Speak to the downstairs neighbor.


Seriously, we seem to get a thread on this issue once a month. Often the downstairs neighbours do care and have complained informally, but not to the level required to disclose it to you as an ongoing dispute.


It's one thing to be forced to replace flooring. It's another thing to have your neighbor kicking your door (cf. a recent thread) within days of moving in.


Hopefully, they don't report any issues. In which case I wouldn't worry about it too much. There is always the chance you will be forced to change but the likelihood is very low unless someone complains (and even then enforcement can be weak - it depends on the freeholder).

PasturesNew

Downstairs might not have complained ... or they might. Ask them

However, that aside, people make noise... and you might naturally be 10x noisier than the vendor. Some people clomp about, shout to others in their home, slam doors, talk loudly on the phone etc.

You might be the start of the problem so far as downstairs are concerned ..."it was all right until XYZ moved in..."

silvercar

It is possible to get some sort of underlay for wooden floors, designed to keep noise to a minimum.

need_an_answer

The problem with speaking to the neighbours to get their viewpoint is that it is just that "their" viewpoint.

What happens if in 6 months they move and someone else who is less tolerant moves in...you are back to square one.

Just because no one has historically made a complaint doesn't mean that it makes the flooring right.
It is a condition of the lease to not have it so you must remain mindful that a series of complaints in the future could mean you will need to change it or at least make it soundproof to those who live directly around you.

foxy-stoat

No doubt the solicitor will make you buy a pointless indemnity policy.

Worse case, you spend £4000 on new carpet. Offer accordingly and if they dont accept then contact the freeholder if you can find out and ask them the question direct. The lease was probably written by clueless solicitors as well.