Japanese Knotweed
& the property information FORM (ta6 form)

The Property information form ( Ta6 fORM)

The Property Information form (TA6 form) is a report that is completed by the seller of a house and contains information regarding the property. This is given to the buyer. Not completing this form truthfully or correctly can result in legal ramifications. For example, Japanese Knotweed Expert has assisted in a case where the seller did not declare the presence of Japanese knotweed on the property. This resulted in a £32,000 claim being brought against them. When it comes to Japanese knotweed, the Property Information Form is now more important than ever. 

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What does this mean ?

Whether you are the buyer or the seller, it is crucial that you not only understand the importance of the Property Information Form (TA6 form) but that you are also up to date with any changes.

 

As of February 2020, the TA6  guidance notes for section 7.8 relating to Japanese knotweed was amended. The new guidance by the Law Society, in response to recommendations from The House of Commons Select Committee on Japanese knotweed, now states: “The seller should state whether the property is affected by Japanese knotweed. If you are unsure that Japanese knotweed exists above or below ground, or whether it has previously been managed on the property, please indicate this as ‘not known.'”

 

The guidance then goes on to state, very importantly, “If you choose ‘No’ as the answer, the seller must be certain that no rhizome (root) is present in the ground of the property, or within three metres of the property boundary, even if there are no visible signs above ground.”

What does this mean for home buyers?

If the seller has ticked ‘Not Known‘ on the Property Information Form (TA6 form), we would strongly recommend that you insist on, or organise, a Japanese knotweed survey for the property. By choosing ‘Not Known’ the seller could be passing any liability from themselves to yourself, as the purchaser. This would mean that if Japanese knotweed started growing the following year, you would be responsible for the treatment or excavation costs. Typically, these costs range from £2000 to £5000 for a 3 year herbicidal management plan. Alternatively, it could cost an average of £20,000 for an excavation of Japanese knotweed on a residential site. However, these costs may vary dependant on individual factors. 

 

This is certainly not a cost that you would want to bear if you had just purchased your dream home.

Buying A House With Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed Orange Rhizome

What does this mean if you are selling your house?

If you tick ‘No‘ to confirm that your property is not affected by Japanese knotweed, and there is Japanese knotweed present, you may be issued with litigation costs that can be over £30,000. The safest option is to book a survey to ensure you bear no liability. If the survey states that there is no Japanese knotweed within the garden or within three metres of the boundary you can then confidently tick ‘No’ on the Property Information Form. This will help to ensure a smoother sale of the property. 

 

Ensuring that you complete the Property Information Form (TA6 Form) correctly in relation to Japanese knotweed is crucial to avoid the potential risk of being sued in the future. 

Should i organise a
site survey?

Yes. If you suspect that there could be Japanese knotweed on your property, or on a property that you are looking to purchase, it is imperative that you organise a site survey.

 

When completing your survey, Japanese Knotweed Expert will not only identify the presence of Japanese knotweed but also outline: the area of growth, root zone area, the source of origination, as well as a quote for the eradication works and recommendation for the best treatment options moving forward. A comprehensive report will always be included with our Japanese knotweed site surveys.

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Japanese Knotweed Removal

need more information?

Part 35 Report

What Your Legal Rights Are

Have you found Japanese knotweed on your property? Not sure if you are able to make a claim? Who is legally responsible?

Japanese Knotweed Removal

Identifying Japanese knotweed

If you need help identifying Japanese knotweed, you should be aware that it will look different depending upon the time of the year.

Japanese Knotweed Herbicide

Residential Removal Options

See what treatment options are available for residential properties.

Planning Permission

What to do if Your Neighbour Has Japanese Knotweed?

If you think that your neighbour has Japanese knotweed, and that this may potentially spread to your garden, here is a step-by-step guide for tips on what to do next.

Removal of Japanese Knotweed using Combined Treatment Method

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find an answer to your question, call and speak to a member of our team.

Identifying Japanese Knotweed

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