Associate Ed Patton has responded to a letter in the Sunday Times Home Help section in which the writer, whose surveyor’s report on their Victorian house incorrectly dated her boiler, asks what compensation she may be entitled to.
She explains that despite the survey suggesting the boiler was between five and six years old (and recommending she consult a gas safety expert), it had in fact not been serviced for 12 – a fact that only came to light once she had moved into the property. To date, the surveyor has offered a £250 payment with no acceptance of liability.
In response Ed explains that, counterintuitively, a full surveyor’s report is limited in its scope, and will typically recommend specialist advice if issues are identified. He advises the writer checks the surveyor’s paperwork for the terms of their agreement. He adds that, while the writer may have a claim against the surveyor if the boiler was not inspected at all, or against the seller if problems with the boiler were not disclosed, to pursue either legally would likely not be cost-effective.
If you remain unhappy with your surveyor, you can refer the matter to a regulator, but this is unlikely to improve your chances of financial recovery.
The full article is available to read at The Sunday Times.
Ed Patton is an associate in the dispute resolution team. He advises in connection with commercial contract, construction and shareholder, and has also acted on several financial disputes.
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