As many are aware, the recent Law Society announcement introduced updates to the TA6 form to align with the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) guidance on material information. This update was necessary to comply with the latest standards.
Since March 25, 2024, Hoowla has been offering both the new TA forms and the previous 4th edition forms. Among our supported firms, nearly five thousand 5th edition forms have already been generated through Hoowla’s case management software. These forms are automatically populated with existing details in Hoowla, reducing delays related to the new TA6 form. This automation helps solicitors focus on essential tasks and identifying information gaps rather than repetitive form-filling.
We acknowledge the industry concerns regarding the release of the 5th edition forms. As updates about the new TA forms emerge, we will continue collaborating with The Law Society and firms to ensure compliance and maintain Hoowla as an effective tool in navigating these changes.
Tom O’Brien, Hoowla Account Manager, says, “I’m pleased the team rallied around the launch of the new Law Society forms, ensuring they were available for our customers at launch. We pride ourselves on working closely with our customers, listening to their feedback and answering any questions they raise. Providing several frictionless channels of communication ensures we always know how our customers feel about change and allows us to react appropriately. There have been mixed reviews, but overall, most customers have adopted the new versions with the ability to switch back to the older versions if they wish easily.”
We encourage all firms using the new TA forms via Hoowla to continue doing so. For those still using the 4th edition forms, we recommend familiarizing yourselves with the latest versions. Both remain available, and we are here to support you with either. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and addressing any concerns during this period.
In a statement from the Law Society, feedback from the legal industry has underscored the need for clearer communication about these changes. Recognizing the concerns raised, the Law Society has postponed the mandatory implementation of the TA6 Property Information Form (5th edition) (2024) for accredited CQS members by six months, extending the deadline to January 15, 2025. Until then, members will remain compliant with their Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) using either the TA6 (4th edition, second revision) (2020) or the new TA6 (5th edition) (2024).
In the coming weeks, further consultations with members will be conducted to fully understand their views on the new form, aiming to ensure that the updated TA6 form meets the profession’s needs and expectations.
They have provided their statement again and included FAQs to address concerns and explain why these changes were made.
If you’re a Hoowla user and need more guidance on completing the forms using our case management software, our support team is available to assist and offer free training as required.