These Terms of Business apply to all residential conveyancing work we carry out for you, together with our client care letter. If there is any conflict, the client care letter takes priority.
Who we are
Fast Residential Conveyancing Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. [SRA number]). Company no. [Company number]. Registered office: [Registered office address].
Our service
We will act on the sale, purchase, remortgage or transfer described in your client care letter. Our service does not include advice on tax planning, the value or physical condition of the property, planning matters beyond the searches we obtain, or mortgage products, unless agreed in writing.
Your responsibilities
- Give us clear, accurate and timely instructions and information.
- Provide identity documents and evidence of source of funds promptly.
- Read the documents we send you and tell us if anything is incorrect.
- Arrange a survey and insurance where appropriate.
Fees and disbursements
Our fixed legal fee is set out in your quote and client care letter. Disbursements — payments to third parties such as search fees, Land Registry fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax — are charged at cost. If your matter becomes more complex than quoted (for example, leasehold issues, unregistered title or a lender’s additional requirements), we will tell you and agree any extra fee before doing the work.
No move, no fee
If your transaction does not proceed for reasons outside your control, we will not charge our legal fee. Disbursements already paid to third parties remain payable. [Set out your exact conditions.]
Paying us and receiving money
We will ask for money on account of disbursements before ordering searches. Completion funds must reach us in cleared funds by the date we specify. Interest on client money is paid in accordance with our interest policy.
Cybercrime warning: we will never change our bank details during your transaction or ask you to send money by email alone. Always confirm our bank details by phone, using a number you already trust, before transferring funds. We cannot accept responsibility if you send money to an account that is not ours.
Identity and anti-money-laundering checks
We are required by law to verify your identity and the source of your funds. We may use electronic verification services. We cannot act, and may have to stop acting, if checks are not satisfactory. In some circumstances we may be prohibited from telling you about reports we make to the authorities.
Our liability
We maintain professional indemnity insurance in line with SRA requirements. Our liability for any one matter is limited to [£X], unless a different limit is agreed in writing. We do not exclude liability for fraud or for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
Ending our retainer
You may end our instructions at any time in writing. We may stop acting for good reason, such as non-payment, a conflict of interest, or failure to provide instructions or ID. You will pay fees for work done and disbursements incurred up to that point.
Cancellation rights
If you instruct us online or away from our office, you have the right to cancel within 14 days without giving a reason under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you ask us to start work during that period, you will pay for work done before you cancel.
Storage of documents
We store your file for [15] years after completion, after which it may be destroyed without further notice. Title deeds are held by HM Land Registry or returned to you or your lender.
Complaints
Please see our Complaints Procedure.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.