Solicitor Executors insisting on a licence to occupy premises

wearyexec

I'd be grateful for people's thoughts/advice on this - 

My late mother left her estate to her husband (our father). My sister and I are her executors. 4 months after her death, our father died - having appointed his solicitors as executors, with my sister and I as beneficiaries.

Our mother's estate is not yet finalised and we have spent the past year sorting and clearing the house in order for it to be sold. There are already cash buyers interested in buying the house, before it has been advertised, so we hope that the sale shouldn't take too long (fingers crossed).

The solicitor executors are now - just over a year since our father's death - insisting that we need to have a licence in place in order for us to stay at the house for a few nights every week (we don't live locally, so day trips aren't really an option).

We have asked why this is needed now, but haven't received a detailed explanation, beyond 'protecting the executors and the estate'.

All advice welcome - thank you.

elsien

In the unlikely event that you move in and refuse to leave? Or  try to claim some tenants rights? 

You are right it is very late in the day, but with a license it’s easier to shift you if necessary. 

Someone for some reason has just decided to play ridiculously safe.

wearyexec

Thank you, elsien.

We really couldn't think why the licence would be necessary and - unless someone comes up with another suggestion - we think it's just too late now.

Of course, the execs will charge the estate for drawing up the licence......