Key for new owner - advice please

in_my_wellies

We are selling my MILs house and sign contracts next Wednesday. The purchaser wanted to measure up for new curtains and kitchen units. We agreed they could borrow the key from the agent (it's not local to us) which they did.

Now they want to move some furniture in. We are uneasy about this but we don't want to upset them at this late stage.

Are there any reasons why we should not let them put some furniture in. Can anything go wrong after contracts are signed?

Thank you for any help

Doozergirl

It's not the way things are done. Surely things are done for a certain reason? I think you should say no, if I were in your position, I wouldn't even hesitate before saying no. Giving them keys to view is one thing, letting them move their stuff in is another!

It's unlikely that anything will go wrong, but from their point of view, their stuff won't be insured. From your point of view, you don't know what they are putting in there. They could accuse you of stealing/damaging their property.

The house does not belong to them. They should hardly be upset if you say no. If you're exchanging contracts next week they don't have long to wait do they?

zzzLazyDaisy

Suppose they move their furniture in and start living there, before completion. Suppose there is an accident and the house burns down. What then - you are left with a burnt out shell and a lot of litigation.

Personally I'd say no. How long is it between exchange and completion anyway? A couple of weeks? They should wait till the house belongs to them.

At the very least speak to your solicitor. There are good legal reasons why you should refuse this request.
Daisy

in_my_wellies

Thank you. We have told them it is not insured.