Can I do this as a PoA?

Savvy_Sue

Mrs_Z said:

For repairs, such as a potential roof leak, my approach would be to deal with them sooner rather than later as longer you leave them, bigger and more expensive the job would be, and we're in winter with more rainy months ahead.  Dealing with either matter will not benefit the person themselves, as they are in care and no longer reside in the property nor will be returning. However, I'd see it as my duty to deal with such matters diligently but perhaps i'm overthinking this.

Potentially it could benefit the person, if there is any likelihood that they will have to meet the costs of their own care. It's possible that the costs of repairing the roof would increase the value of the house / enable a faster sale. 

But with what you've said, I'd probably do anything required for Health and Safety, and reimburse myself, but no more.

Mojisola

Mrs_Z said:

I have a lasting power of attorney for a friend who sadly is terminally ill. The person possibly has days/weeks left.
I'm under the impression that when a person dies, their bank accounts get frozen and only funeral expenses can be paid until probate has been granted which can take several weeks. 

I am also named as the sole executor in their will.  
What I would like to do, is to transfer a sum of £3,000 from their account to mine now - as a contingency - for any unexpected expenses that require payment during the time when the accounts are frozen.

If the bulk of the estate is left to big charities, expect them go through the finances in detail - I wouldn't transfer money like that on the basis that they could raise concerns about how you have managed the money as the attorney.

It's one of the situations where it would be worth paying a solicitor to do the paperwork/financial work of probate while you get on with the more personal stuff.  It will relieve you of the legal responsibility and be a buffer between you and the charities.  If the money is going to smaller, local charities, you're less likely to get hassle from them.

Jude57

Just a word of caution about clearing the house. I had cause to arrange the clearance of a two bedroom flat a couple of years ago. The occupant had been a bit of a hoarder, mainly books and clothing. I got three quotes by phone and email, checked they had the appropriate waste removal licenses and went with the middle one.

On the day, three men turned up and they were brilliant, like a well oiled machine. Until, that is, they realised that most of the boxes in the spare room contained books which of course are heavy. It's the weight that causes a problem. Their van took all the furniture, appliances, carpets, clothes (lots) and loads of other stuff but although there was space in the van, they had to take the first load away, empty the van then return for the books as a separate load. I was charged a further fee which doubled the cost. I wasn't happy about it but had to agree as I was short of time to get the place cleared and cleaned.

If I had it to do again, I'd insist on them coming in person before quoting, to avoid unpleasant, costly surprises.

Mojisola

Another vote to be cautious about the house clearing - a friend's mother was a hoarder and when they started to clear out stuff, they were making instant decisions - save, charity, bin.  The friend went to throw away a matchbox but noticed it rattled - inside was a valuable diamond ring. 

They had to start again, going through everything very carefully and found cash tucked into books, other jewellery in boxes and wrapped in newspapers, photos and other family mementoes hidden in furniture, etc.

Mrs_Z

Thank you for your experiences regarding the house clearance! Good to bear in mind.
That will be a task and a half... this person seems to have 10 of everything.  We need to break it down to smaller tasks - do either room by room or area by area.  What complicates matter is that they live bit of a distance from us and every time we visit, it's a day trip.

Ms_Chocaholic

I know this sounds selfish, but unless your friend has left you £££ / the bulk of the estate I would leave the property as it is and hand over everything to the charity to sort if they are the main benefactor.  You may make it much worse for yourself in the long run if you get involved.

badmemory

Ms_Chocaholic said:

I know this sounds selfish, but unless your friend has left you £££ / the bulk of the estate I would leave the property as it is and hand over everything to the charity to sort if they are the main benefactor.  You may make it much worse for yourself in the long run if you get involved.

Totally agree.  If it is all going to charities you really don't need the aggravation.  They can be extremely unpleasant to deal with.