I have seen mentioned on this site some references to Document Warehouse fires that certain lenders have suffered. Does anyone remember reading about these, when they happened, what lenders were involved or where I may find some information to perform further research. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

-- Tim Heath (tim_n_heath@hotmail.com), February 12, 2001

Answers

They were mentioned in the last email newsletter, which is available as a web page in the Stay Updated section or in the Publications section.

Lee

-- Lee (repossession@bigfoot.com), February 12, 2001.

Here you go, Tim:

"----< Waiting for Bradford & Bingley documents? >----------------- Then wait no longer. Apparently they may have been destroyed.

Of course, documents are a vital to proving in court that a borrower owes you money. But two separate document warehouse fires appear to have destroyed much of this lender's ability to fight its shortfall claims in court.

A substantial number of Bradford and Bingley mortgage deeds were burnt in a fire at Erdington, Birmingham circa. 1998. By an amazing coincidence, another Bradford and Bingley archive warehouse in Hayes, Middlesex, was also torched around 1997."

What's interesting about this is that the B&B are apparently having to go to the trouble of re-creating all the mortgage deeds which were destroyed. Funny how the B&B couldn't rely on Land Registry copies, isn't it?

-- Eleanor Scott (eleanor.scott@btinternet.com), February 12, 2001.

In response to message left by Eleanor, on this site, 12th Feb.

I read your observation, of the 12th Feb, on the Repossession Homepage. I am a victim of Mortgage Express, having taken over my mortgage from B & B, having taken over Bear Stearns Homeloans! Original advance made in 1991. House now gone & ME chasing shortfall.

I have requested a copy of the Mortgage Deed - copy arrived of the Deed as signed by us, with no amount of advance, account number etc. In other words a copy of it prior to it being signed by the lender. I have requested a notarised copy but, bearing in mind what you said, it is possible that they cannot provide this. If I have your comment straight I would imagine you believe that the lender never signed Deeds before passing them onto the Land Registry? If so this gives us a little hope as you seem to think that the land Registry would not be able to produce a signed copy either.

Any clarification would be welcome.

Regards, Mike.

-- Michael Bacon (mike@resdev.freeserve.co.uk), October 03, 2001.