Vendor won't allow access to measure to replace appliances she has broken.

cxw18

Hi all,

I've had a nightmare of an exchange with a vendor who is unwilling to compromise on anything and solicitors who do not communicate.

Finally exchanged a week ago and the vendor has conveniently informed us that the washing machine has just broken down and the 4 wooden dining chairs she wrote she would leave behind she "forgot" and gave to a friend.

The solicitors said she will pay for removal of the 20 year old washing machine and that the chairs can be valued at £10. We obviously cannot go back and forth on this to prove their deceit because it will cost me via the time of my solicitors.

We have said we will forget it if she can pay for removal of the washing machine AND fridge as I need a house ready to move in for 7 days time and so to ensure that I will just replace both appliances in case the fridge decides to conveniently stop working tomorrow too as the vendor is very old, and so is the home.

We asked for access so a third party (I would not be present) could measure the slot for the fridge so we can order one and she said no.

What are the rights here? I know you can't just have access between exchange and completion without their agreement but it is in order to settle her violation of the fixtures and fittings (which I know tends to be a bit useless anyway, as the legal fees are usually too great to bother).

turnitround

Standard appliances are usually 600 anyway so not sure why you would need access to measure.

DE_612183

have you got any photos ( rightmove? ) that contain the old appliances? perhaps you could get measurements from that ( if you can work out make and model )
appliances tend to be fairly standard in size

cxw18

turnitround said:

Standard appliances are usually 600 anyway so not sure why you would need access to measure.

The fridge sits in a wooden fitted slot and they vary a bit more than washing machines which are all standard.

DE_612183 said:

have you got any photos ( rightmove? ) that contain the old appliances? perhaps you could get measurements from that ( if you can work out make and model )
appliances tend to be fairly standard in size

This is a great idea, thank you.

MaryNB

turnitround said:

Standard appliances are usually 600 anyway so not sure why you would need access to measure.

My internal kitchen doorway is 580 and not plumb. I always recommend people measure before buying. Getting my washer dryer in was a nightmare (because I didn't measure...). 

TBagpuss

It's frustrating but if she is being awkward then to be honest I would just wait until you move in. Maynbe buy a mini fridge to tide you over for the first few days. It's not usually a long wait to get something like that delivered 

LAtenratively, could you ask her to confimr the current make ad moel of the fridge and to provide the measurements?  If her objection is to you coming into the house then that might solve the issue. 

PRAISETHESUN

In terms of rights, there's nothing you can do to compel the vendor to provide access. Personally I'd just wait until I moved in and get everything sorted then. Definitely wouldn't commit to buying anything without proper measurements. 

pjcox2005

The issue on washing machine and chairs is obviously frustrating but aren't you creating issues for yourself and more for lawyers. 

Don't push for the fridge to be removed, leave it in there as that was part of the deal and I expect is currently working and give yourself time once in to sort a new fridge if you need it.

warby68

These issues are frustrating but very minor in the scheme of things when it comes to a house purchase. An elderly person may not have moved for many years or even been involved in the move when she did. They do also genuinely get forgetful. TBH she could easily not have told you.

You do sound a bit petty saying get rid of the fridge as well, especially when it could just see you through the first few days.

You can get white goods very quickly.

Yes, annoying but not worth any stress.

newsgroupmonkey_

Many places will delivery domestic appliances next business day for an extra £20 or so.

AO.com deliver 7 days a week.

I'm a big fan of Euronics for helping out independent local companies (it's basically an association where they can club together to get bigger discounts). They often have stuff in stock and deliver in a couple of hours.

400ixl

Can't you just ask them for the make and model number which will be written on the front. No need for strangers to then have access to the house which could be a concern for the elderly.

With the model number you can easily find the measurements of it.