What is LPA Receivership?
LPA Receivership is a legal process that comes into play when a borrower defaults on a mortgage loan secured by a property. Under the Law of Property Act 1925, a lender has the right to appoint a receiver to take control of the property with the main aim of recovering the debt owed. LPA receivers normally take over commercial assets, such as shops or warehouses, etc., not a personal home.
When is an LPA Receiver Appointed?
An LPA Receiver is typically appointed when:
1. The borrower defaults on loan repayments
2. The lender believes that the property value is at risk
3. Legal conditions outlined in the mortgage deed are breached
The Role of an LPA Receiver
An LPA Receiver is appointed to act on behalf of the lender but has a legal obligation to act in a manner that is fair to all parties involved, including the borrower. Their powers are generally outlined in the mortgage deed but commonly include:
1. Taking possession of the property
2. Collecting rent
3. Selling the property to recover the debt
4. Carrying out essential maintenance and repairs
Steps Involved in LPA Receivership
1. Notice of Intent: Before the appointment, the lender must usually serve a notice to the borrower, explaining the intent to appoint an LPA Receiver.
2. Appointment: A formal letter of appointment is given to the receiver, outlining their powers and responsibilities.
3. Taking Control: The receiver takes over the property and assumes responsibilities such as collecting rent or selling assets.
4. Debt Recovery: The ultimate aim is to recover the outstanding debt through the collected rent or proceeds from the sale of the property.
5. Discharge: Once the debt is fully recovered, the LPA Receiver’s role comes to an end, and control of the property is usually returned to the owner unless it has been sold to settle the debt.
Implications for Property Owners
While the appointment of an LPA Receiver often means a loss of control over the property for the owner, it doesn’t automatically lead to personal bankruptcy or corporate insolvency. The LPA Receiver’s role is limited to the property on which they are appointed and does not extend to other assets owned by the borrower.
Home repossession and LPA receivers
The fundamental difference between the home repossession and LPA receivers is that the home is considered to be a regulated property. There’s certain government legislation in relation to a residential mortgage, which gives the homeowner more rights. If the bank decides to proceed with repossessing the property, they have to go through more of a rigorous process of showing that they’ve done what they can to help the homeowner keep the property.
The contract for the homeowner and the buy-to-let property owner is somewhat similar because they are both carried out based on our premise of lending money. The only difference is defined by the Law of Property Act 1925 in that it is actually in the contracts because they are considered to be commercial assets, so people have got them, or the borrower has taken them on for a commercial purpose. There’s very little leniency for any sort of missed payments, arrears, defaults or anything that breaks the terms of the contract.
Conclusion
Understanding LPA Receivership is essential for anyone involved in property investment or property-backed loans. It is a mechanism designed to protect lenders but comes with obligations to be fair to all parties involved. If you find yourself facing the potential appointment of an LPA Receiver, seeking professional advice is strongly recommended to navigate the complex legal landscape effectively.
Speak to one of our experts about LPA Receivership.