The Law Society has delayed mandatory use of the updated property information TA6 form, which has been controversial since it was drafted.

It was due to become compulsory on 15 January, but has now been put back while the Society spends longer considering responses to a consultation.

Some conveyancers believe the fifth edition of the form and the material information it requires, exposes them to legal liability. The new form reflects Trading Standards guidance, and estate agents are expected to ask sellers to complete it much earlier in the sales process than was traditionally done.

If information or advice supplied by a solicitor is later found to be inaccurate, many conveyancers are worried that they could be found liable.

Threatened

The conveyancer members of the Society had at one point during the summer threatened to pass a vote of no confidence in its two main seniors – Chief Executive Ian Jeffery and President Nick Emmerson – unless action was taken.

Now, the Society, which is the trade body for solicitors and conveyancers, has decided it needs more time before it finalises the form.

“Conveyancers can continue to use both the 4th and 5th edition of the TA6 property information form beyond January 2025,” it says.

It has become clear that January next year is not a realistic date.”

Jeffery says: “We are now working through the volumes of feedback we have collected during this process and want to give it all thorough consideration.

“It has become clear that January next year is not a realistic date by which to analyse all the evidence and take the next steps to ensure we have the best outcome possible,” he says.

“We have therefore decided to extend the period that both forms can be used until we have completed that work.”

Law Society begins talking to conveyancers about controversial TA6 form