Mortgage cert request 4 days after client moved on

We received a clearance request for a client on Friday and have today received a mortgage cert req…

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We received a clearance request for a client on Friday and have today received a mortgage certificate request. 
 

Surely this should be given to the incoming accountants?  I don't want to come across as being awkward so I wondered what the usual practice would be here?

 Thanks

Replies (13)

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By sarahg
22nd Jun 2021 11:04

If you have disengaged the client this needs to go to the new advisors

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By Roland195
22nd Jun 2021 11:08

Are the two issues related? It seems spectacularly bad timing otherwise - surely the client was aware this was required as the new accountant will be unlikely to prepare the certificate without having prepared the accounts/returns & not sure if you can do it if officially no longer acting.

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By Paul Crowley
22nd Jun 2021 11:09

Client completely daft or more likely new agent will do something you would choose not to
Had a similar when client appointed the financial consultant, sacked us but then looked to come back 6 months latter with supposedly no accounts prepared, definitely nothing to HMRC.

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By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
22nd Jun 2021 11:21

Depends on the client. I would probably do it if they left on good terms and I wanted them back on the basis that it was my work on the reference, but make it clear I was not acting ongoing.

if there are a PITA I would say I don't act and smirk about it all day. And probably the next couple too. Karma can be a lovely thing.

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By fawltybasil2575
22nd Jun 2021 11:37

@ Manchester_man (OP).

Has your engagement with the client been definitely formally terminated (that engagement can of course be terminated by either party) ?

The answer to that question will determine how you should respond to the mortgage certificate request (which I assume has come direct from the prospective lender, without your being forewarned, by the client, of such request having been made – if my assumption is incorrect, please say so).

For the avoidance of doubt, if the engagement HAS been terminated, then you must NOT respond substantively to the prospective lender, since you no longer act [albeit you are entitled to advise the prospective lender that you do not act, and that they should therefore contact the (now former) client direct].

Basil.

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RLI
By lionofludesch
22nd Jun 2021 12:24

If they've gone, I wouldn't provide the information.

I would provide factual information to the new adviser though.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By Paul Crowley
22nd Jun 2021 18:37

Factual
Not estimates, not opinion and definitely not confirm that the director will continue at the same level of profit until aged 70
Last item was a genuine item from about a year ago.
Client was told I was being difficult as 'all the accountants sign it'

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Replying to Paul Crowley:
RLI
By lionofludesch
22nd Jun 2021 18:51

Paul Crowley wrote:

Factual
Not estimates, not opinion and definitely not confirm that the director will continue at the same level of profit until aged 70
Last item was a genuine item from about a year ago.
Client was told I was being difficult as 'all the accountants sign it'

Obviously not, because you didn't.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By Paul Crowley
22nd Jun 2021 20:41

There is video or article on the ICAEW website about requests for accountants references.
Quite old.
Of the people he interviewed concerning inappropriate requests, all had been informed that lender had never had the problem before and all other accountants are happy to.....

That lie remains central the mantra of the mortgage broker.

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Replying to Paul Crowley:
Red Leader
By Red Leader
22nd Jun 2021 22:25

Paul Crowley wrote:

Factual
Not estimates, not opinion and definitely not confirm that the director will continue at the same level of profit until aged 70
Last item was a genuine item from about a year ago.
Client was told I was being difficult as 'all the accountants sign it'

All the accountants sign it - the next time I hear that, there will be blood.
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Replying to Paul Crowley:
ALISK
By atleastisoundknowledgable...
22nd Jun 2021 22:53

Historic fact is the only thing I sign to.

Except when my (client) best friend wanted one, then I was a little more lenient.

And when Halifax let me do my own, I was incredibly generous then.

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By JD
23rd Jun 2021 09:40

Definitely pass on - Have they moved because the new agent has a related financial services/mortgage advice arm, by any chance?

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SMH
By ShakingMyHead
23rd Jun 2021 10:25

If the client has 'moved on' - that request can follow them there. UNLESS it's something you can do, then make it chargeable...

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