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Original poster

WDYD when you've completed and vendors are still in?

451 replies

Lemonwords · 15/07/2016 09:16

So we've finally completed on our property. We're waiting to get the keys but vendors are saying there is an issue with their removal service and can't move out today. Solicitor says they have to. They say they can't. Literally what do you do?

OP posts:
FuzzyOwl · 15/07/2016 09:33

I think you have to get them to go and tell your solicitor to do so and that you will instruct the police if necessary. As a PP said, your insurance probably won't cover anything. Also, by allowing them to stay are you effectively giving them any squatters' rights?

Somerville · 15/07/2016 09:34

i was in this situation once and my solicitor was very concerned about us ending up with them as, in effect, squatters, and a long running eviction battle through the court.
So advised us not to allow them to stay. We took a car load of stuff (also not planning on moving it immediately) and turned up on the doorstep hammering. It was good to see that they actually were packed - part of our solicitors concern was that they could have to intention of actually moving anytime sooner. We agreed to allow them to store stuff in the garage and under a tarp in the garden. They had a load of friends over with cars to move valuables and essentials. I think we even did a run or two.
Although stressful, it was much less so than a protracted court battle to evict.

SoupDragon · 15/07/2016 09:34

Depending on the reason (eg the removal service has screwed them over) and how they'd been throughout the sale I would find a legal and safe way to sort it out with minimal stress on both sides.

Original poster
Lemonwords · 15/07/2016 09:36

I'm just on with the house insurance as if it's burns down today we are liable.

It's already been a long drawn out process. I suspect they don't have their own place sorted. We don't even have any keys for the place.

Only the estate agent is being communicative today. I guess I'll be on the phone all day....

OP posts:
Blu · 15/07/2016 09:37

Do whatever your solicitor advises. The completion day is set at exchange so they have had notice. They can get a rental van / man and van at short notice, I am sure, and should be ready packed as completion had been set for yesterday. Why didn't they move out yesterday? Seems suspicious!

Batteriesallgone · 15/07/2016 09:38

Your solicitor needs to be the one that sorts this they really do. You risk leaving yourself open to squatters rights etc if you agree any kind of compromise.

ChicRock · 15/07/2016 09:39

t the very least you need to go round to the house with some stuff and bang on the door until you get in.

I'd be wanting to check if they've even started packing. Do they know you weren't planning on moving in?

SoupDragon · 15/07/2016 09:40

I suspect they don't have their own place sorted

Can you get proof of this before making any decisions?

If they've messed you about, I would give them the day to move their stuff to storage although you might want to check the condition of the property first to ensure it is still in the same/expected state.

Ticklethosetoes · 15/07/2016 09:40

It sounds like your gut is telling you they are taking the piss. I'd go with that and they need to be out today. I'd pick a time you know your solicitor is going to still be working so 2pm. That way you've given them time to sort a van.

Blu · 15/07/2016 09:41

And they should give you the keys, whether or not they / their stuff is still in : it is your house! I think I would be insisting on keys. I don't see that they have any right to withhold keys to your house!

OopsThereGoMyTrousers · 15/07/2016 09:41

It's not even 10 oclock. They have time to find althernative removers or man with van.
Even if they cant get all their stuff out, insist of having keys and they have to stay in hotel tonight

SoupDragon · 15/07/2016 09:41

Where I am there are loads of storage places offering a month for a ridiculously low cost.

AnnPerkins · 15/07/2016 09:42

My friends went and sat in their solicitor's office in the end. It was a Friday and they were there until 5pm making sure they sorted it before buggering off for the weekend.

Batteriesallgone · 15/07/2016 09:43

Can your solicitor advise you on what legal action you would take to get your money back?

Also I'm guessing you have a mortgage? Your mortgage company would not be happy with the situation. If they found out they could invalidate your mortgage and repossess the house themselves.

Your solicitor sounds a bit hopeless if they've allowed this to go on for a day already. What is their advice?!

TeaPleaseLouise · 15/07/2016 09:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Blu · 15/07/2016 09:50

I've had this happen, too, though only for an afternoon. Idiot vendor forgot the date and organized van for the following day. Estate Agent organized a van and got them out a few hours after completion.

blindsider · 15/07/2016 09:51

Surely your Solicitor should not have completed without vacant possession??

OnlyEatsToast · 15/07/2016 09:53

PHONE YOUR SOLICITOR! Get them to sort this out - you have to cover your own back here.

dowhatnow · 15/07/2016 09:53

Put pressure on them. They've had one days grace. Are you sure they've ever had any intention to go today?

honeysucklejasmine · 15/07/2016 09:55

Have you not spoken to your solicitor?

Margrethe · 15/07/2016 09:55

Could you get them to pay you an amount everyday that they atay beyond completion? Sort of like rent? Or as compensation for you having to pay your moving company and for a hotel, etc.

OopsThereGoMyTrousers · 15/07/2016 09:56

Get your solicitor to check how far the money transfer has gone.
It's usually Buyer > buyer's solicitor > Vendors Sol > Vendor.
Small chance it may still be with one of the solictors in which case it needs to be held in escrow until proper complation

tiggytape · 15/07/2016 09:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EarthboundMisfit · 15/07/2016 09:58

Speak to your solicitor. DO NOT tell them it's ok to stay without proper legal advice, this is a minefield.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 15/07/2016 09:58

Have they actually got somewhere else to live? Perversely I'd be happier to try to resolve it amicably if they have as they obviously do mean to move. If they haven't completed a purchase I'd be getting a locksmith round and then starting to put their stuff on the pavement today. With the assistance of any large friends you may have.