We reported quite some time ago about the working group for the revision of the LPE1 LPE2 and FME1. We are pleased to report that we have finally agreed the revised versions and they are launched today, 22nd November, with a go live date of 11th January 2022. We will issue a reminder after the Christmas holiday period about the go live date. The Press Release reads as follows:
The trade and representative bodies representing the legal, surveying, estate agency and property management sectors have today (22 November 2021) launched updated version of the LPE1 (Leasehold Property Enquiries), LPE2 (Consumer summary) and FME1 (Freehold Management Enquiries) forms. The forms will “go live” on 11th January 2022.
Bodies such as the Law Society, Conveyancing Association, CILEX, Society of Licenced Conveyancers as well as ARMA, ARHM, BPF, IRPM, RTMF and ARLA are encouraging their member firms to use the new versions from 11th January 2022.
The updated forms now include the UPRN of the property with the updated form fields included within the pdfs. These versions of the forms ask administrators whether they can accept service of notice by email and receive the payments via the banking system to enable more efficiency in the process.
This is the third version of the LPE1 form with a number of new additional questions and amendments made.
It establishes whether there are any restrictions on keeping pets or parking.
The form also asks whether a fire safety or an external fire wall assessment has been undertaken, and whether there are urgent works required as a result. It is hoped this will allow those marketing the property to identify material facts around cladding more easily. A portal to access external wall system reviews has been created by the Fire Institute Association; the Building Safety Portal.
The Freehold Management Enquiries (FME1) form is on its second version and contains a number of additional questions including who deals with the deed of covenant, on contributions to the service charge, and access to insurance.
The forms can be downloaded for free from their websites and are also available via the law firm stationers from today so that any systems using the forms or pre-populating the forms can be updated by 11th January 2022.
Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery at the Conveyancing Association, commented:
“The industry has committed to ensuring the forms are up to date and continually assessed to make sure they ask for all the necessary information. These new iterations of the forms do just that, and particularly in light of the ongoing issues many leaseholders are having with their building’s fire safety, it is clearly very important that all stakeholders have full upfront and transparent information on this aspect of the property. We’ll continue to review these forms to make sure they are fit for purpose going forward and in particular as their becomes greater clarity over the need for external wall assessments and access to them. ”
Cecilia Brodigan Head of Operations at Association of Retirement Housing Managers ARHM, added ARHM has been delighted to be involved in the review process. Anything that makes the process of buying and selling more transparent and ensures that all the information required is available in a standard and recognised format is a good thing.