Hodge Conveyancing Panel Information

Hodge’s answer to this question can be found at section 6.4.4 of their CML Part 2 requirements

The CML, together with Hodge and other members created a standard set of instructions where a conveyancer is representing a lender such as Hodge alone in a residential conveyancing matter. These requirements are contained at Part 3 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook and are to be followed in conjunction with Parts 1 & 2. The CML have published an example requirements letter to the borrower’s conveyancing solicitor for use by the lender's conveyancer, and sets out to the borrower's conveyancer, the documentary and information requirements of the lender's panel solicitor.

The CML Part II requirements of Hodge are silent on this. Most mortgage companies deal with the question of file retention via their Terms and Conditions where they generally provide that for evidential purposes, the firm must keep the file for a minimum six years from the date of the mortgage. Data imagining is normally suitable compliance with this requirement. Many lenders point out in that it is the practice of some fraudsters to demand the conveyancing file on completion in order to destroy evidence that may later be used against them. It is therefore important to retain these documents to protect Hodge’s interest. To be absolutely sure of Hodge requirements in this regard please check the Terms and Conditions of Hodge’s conveyancing panel appointment.

The CLC has initiated dialogue with lenders and their representative bodies to see whether and how the risks that lenders wish to mitigate could be addressed through the regulatory framework rather than via ad hoc arrangements that can differ from lender to lender. We expect that that the CLC have been in touch with lenders such as Hodge as well as the CML.

In this situation please explain on the application what action you have taken to discover the reasons behind cancellation of your Hodge panel status. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before termination of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender advising you as to their reasons?

You would be advised to get in touch with Hodge to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook has an explicit question for lenders to set out who to contact to obtain standard documents. Hodge in their Part 2’s state: Please remember to quote the firm’s Hodge conveyancing panel number.