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Posted Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:37:46 GMT by Jack Paynter
Hello<br> <br> I'm in the process of selling my leasehold flat and an issue has arisen in relation to the lease.&#160;<br> <br> My solicitor has informed me that HMLR will not accept the copy of the original lease that I have provided. As far as I am aware, I have sent what would have been provided by my solicitor 5 years ago, so I'm confused as to why this issue didn't come to light then.&#160;<br> <br> Is there any way HMLR can confirm what they received in relation to my purchase 5 years ago? I am attempting to clarify with the solicitor who acted for me at the time, but the firm has since closed.&#160;<br> <br> Many thanks.&#160;<br> <br> Jack&#160;
Posted Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:44:09 GMT by Adam Hookway
Hello Jack - I would have expected us to have explained to your current solicitor as to why it is unacceptable<br> If you wish to check on what was submitted/issued at the time of your purchase then use our contact form to raise the specifics and the support team can check and respond as appropriate for you -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-guidance-dealing-with-land-and-property#contact-form">Public guidance: dealing with land and property - GOV.UK</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> As a rule of thumb if we don't have a copy on file we can only accept the original or a certified copy and it's possible that the copy your original solicitor gave you at the time was a photocopy and not certified. But do ask your current solicitor to confirm what has been advised by us
Posted Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:32:31 GMT by Jack Paynter
<p>Thank you, Adam. I appreciate the quick response. An excellent start to my customer&amp;#160; journey map with HMLR.&amp;#160;&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt; Our solicitor said&#160;they have been told only the original lease or a certified copy of the original is acceptable. Assuming processes/legislation haven't changed since 2020, I can't understand why the photocopy provided by my original solicitor was accepted by HMLR.&amp;#160;&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt; I will do as you suggest and use the contact form to check what was submitted at the time. I suppose it's possible that the original/certified copy was provided, but having reviewed my correspondence from the purchase, my solicitor never referred to having the original.&amp;#160;&lt;br&gt; &amp;#160;</p>

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