Following are the answers for some general questions our clients ask when completing our Conveyancing Solicitor’s Welcome Pack
Some of my details seem to be wrong in the Welcome Pack, what shall I do?
Please amend any details that are incorrect and return the Welcome Pack with changes marked, on the client information form.
What is the Form of Authority (FOA)?
This confirms that the client is instructing our solicitor to act on his behalf in the conveyancing case and agree to the terms and conditions in our Welcome Pack. The client is also agreeing to our solicitor giving updates concerning his conveyancing case to all parties involved, such as lenders/brokers, estate agents and other side solicitors.
What is the Client Questionnaire?
This contains questions about the property transaction as well as personal details such as contact details and other information which our solicitor will need to proceed smoothly with your conveyancing case.
What is the Utilities Form?
This form is used only in purchase conveyancing cases, and it contains information about your suppliers of gas, electricity, telephone etc…
What is the Joint Ownership Declaration Form?
- This form is used only in purchase conveyancing cases, when there is more than one buyer. In such a case, the Land Registry will need to be told as to how the buyers wish to hold the property. There are two options as (A) JOINT TENANTS or (B) TENANTS IN COMMON.
- Please, read the form which should be self explanatory.
- If you require further clarification please contact your solicitor.
What is an Overriding Interest Declaration Form?
This is only used in sale conveyancing cases. The seller must sign this form confirming whether or not there are any unregistered third party rights affecting the property.
What do I need to complete/return from the Welcome Pack?
In all types of conveyancing cases the Client Identity Documents (copies)
Generally one from List A and one from List B:
(Please do not send original documents such as passport or driving licence.)
LIST A:
– Passport
– Full UK driving licence
LIST B:
– bank statement (less than 3 months old)
– Utility bill (less than 3 months old)
NO MOBILE BILLS.
Individuals: documentary evidence of personal identity: UK residents
The following is a list of examples of suitable documentary evidence of name for UK resident private individuals. Any photographs on an ID provided must be of a likeness to the client failing which it will not be accepted:
- Current signed passport;
- EEA member state identity card (which can also be used as evidence of address if it gives this);
- cheque drawn on an account in the name of the client with a bank in the UK or EEA;
- residence permit issued by Home Office to EEA nationals on sight of own country passport;
- current UK or EEA photo-card driving licence;
- current full UK driving licence– old-style paper provisional driving licence should not be accepted;
- benefit book or original notification letter from the Benefits Agency confirming the right to benefits;
- photographic registration cards for self-employed individuals and partnerships in the construction industry C1S4 (the card does not contain an issue or expiry date and is renewed only if the individual’s appearance changes dramatically);
- firearms or shotgun certificate;
- national identity card containing a photograph of the client; and
- an entry in a local or national telephone directory confirming name and address.
Individual: documentary evidence of address (must be within 3 months old)
The following is a list of examples of suitable documentary evidence of address for UK resident private individuals. A client must provide two different IDs and therefore an ID used as evidence of name cannot be used again as evidence of address:
- confirmation from an electoral register search that a person of that name lives at that address;
- a recent utility bill or statement, or a certificate from a utilities supplier confirming an arrangement to pay for services on pre-payment terms (we do not accept mobile telephone bills);
- local council tax bill for current year;
- current full UK driving licence– old-style paper provisional driving licence should not be accepted;
- bank, building society or credit union statement or passbook containing current address;
- a recent original mortgage statement from a recognised lender;
- solicitor’s letter confirming recent house purchase or land registry confirmation of address;
- local council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement;
- benefit book or original notification letter from the Benefits Agency confirming the right to benefits;
- EEA member state identity card;
- Inland Revenue self-assessment statement or tax demand;
- house or motor insurance certificate;
- record of any home visit made; and
- an entry confirming name and address in a local or national telephone directory.
UK companies
- Evidence of identity will be required in relation to the company itself, usually comprising:
- a copy of the certificate of incorporation
- a list of directors
- a list of shareholders
- the registered address which can be obtained from an official, or recognised independent source including an extract from a reputable online information provider?
In addition, where it is reasonably practicable, we need to obtain evidence of identity in relation to one of its directors or shareholders, one of whom should usually be the person instructing us or alternatively appears to us, on the face of it, to be active in the management or control of the company. If the matter is complicated questions must be referred to the Case Worker. By way of exception where the company is a well established household name there is no need to obtain the additional identification referred to in this subparagraph;
In a PURCHASE conveyancing case
- Client Questionnaire
- Form of Authority
- Tenancy Form (if more then one buyer)
- Copy of Mortgage Offer
- Copy of Survey/Valuation Report
- Cheque for £250
- In a SALE conveyancing case
- Client Information Form
- Form of Authority
- Sellers Property Information Form
- Sellers Leasehold Information Form
(Only if Leasehold property)
- Fixtures and Fittings Form
- Overriding Interest Declaration form
- Utilities Questionnaire/Supplemental Enquiries Form
- Transfer Deed (TR1)
- Contract
- Title documents such as original lease
- In a RE-MORTGAGE conveyancing case
- Client Information Form
- Form of Authority
- Tenancy Form
- Title Deeds such as original lease
- Copy of Mortgage Offer
- Copy of Survey/Valuation Report
Photo courtesy: Natesh Ramasamy
