Fire Risk Assessment - Deadlock

igc1996 · 11 March at 12:58PM

Hi all - looking for some advice as we have hit a deadlock in our property purchase.
We are buying an ex-council, main-door maisonette. It's accessed via an open/external walkway. Our solicitors are saying that the lender (Barclay's) are demanding a fire risk assessment (FRA) before proceeding. The local authority say that the flat does not qualift for an FRA as there are no communal spaces.
I have no idea where to go from here - the solicitors say we can't commission a private FRA. Has anyone else experienced this and/or have any suggestions of a way through? Extra insurance, haggling with the lender... we'll try anything!
We are desperately trying to hit the stamp duty deadline on 31 March and this is our final outstanding query.
Thanks all in advance!

HillStreetBlues · 11 March at 1:14PM

LA is correct it doesn't fall under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as no common spaces.
Have you complained to Barclays for asking for something that won't not be supplied by LA? Did your solicitors state why it can't be a private one?

Bigphil1474 · 11 March at 1:33PM

Bonkers. Solicitor needs to go back to Barclays and explain it them. Maybe they can explain how to resolve it.

anselld · 11 March at 1:33PM

The Mortgage Co don’t usually insist on things unless advised to do so by their Solicitor, usually also your Solicitor. I would be asking the Solicitor exactly what advice they have given Barclays in their capacity acting for the Lender.

m0bov · 11 March at 1:34PM

Try another lender. Your broker should be dealing with this

user1977 · 11 March at 1:45PM

As above, where exactly at Barclays' side has this come from? Their surveyor? Somebody within Barclays? Your solicitor (wearing their hat as Barclays' solicitor)?

igc1996 · 11 March at 2:29PM

Thanks so much all - much appreciated and useful to know we are in the right! Have asked our mortgage broker for advice and will push the solicitors to engage with the lender.