Protection for Buyers of Leasehold Flats in Buildings Under 11 Metres - EWS1 / FRAEW

brittsaldn

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if there's anything buyers of flats in buildings under 11 m can / should do to protect themselves against potential remediation costs in the future?

The flat I'm looking to purchase has a FRAEW signed by Tri-Star and Adam Kiziak. The EWS1 rating is B1 (no remedial action required). I'm currently waiting to find out if it will be accepted by the lender.

Even if it is, I understand there's a chance the rating might change if the FRAEW is re-done in the future. As the building is under 11m, I know I’m not eligible for a Leaseholder Deed of Certificate, and I'm not protected under any of the government schemes.

Is it worth asking the freeholder / building owner for some kind of comfort letter or alternative assurance they won’t try to pass remediation costs onto me as a leaseholder if the rating changes in the future?

Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you!

poseidon1

Absolutely no chance they will treat you any differently from any other leaseholder, if or when the time comes for a re-rating.

If this concerns you so much, reconsider whether this is the type of flat you should be purchasing.

brittsaldn

poseidon1 said:

Absolutely no chance they will treat you any differently from any other leaseholder, if or when the time comes for a re-rating.

If this concerns you so much, reconsider whether this is the type of flat you should be purchasing.

Thank you for responding! Yes, I'm aware I won't get any special treatment. I'm just trying to make sure there aren't any options to protect myself that I might not be aware of yet. I assume the only thing I can do is get an LPE1 form from the freeholder and make sure it doesn't mention any planned major works / cladding remediation plans?