# PROPERTY SURVEY COMPLAINT LETTER
Date: 14 July 2025
Parties: From: Natalie Brooks, owner of 6 Ash Grove, Sheffield S11 8QH. To: Hart & Vale Surveying Ltd, 3 West Bar, Sheffield S3 8PT. Surveyor: James Holt MRICS.
## 1. Instruction and reliance
I instructed Hart & Vale on 22 January 2024 to provide a RICS Level 2 Home Survey for 6 Ash Grove, Sheffield S11 8QH. James Holt MRICS inspected on 2 February and reported on 6 February. I exchanged on 20 February and completed on 1 March 2024, relying materially on the report's condition comments.
## 2. Omissions and discovery
The report recorded no significant damp, but tide marks and peeling skirting were visible in the front reception room at inspection. On 18 April 2024, contractor Maya Singh found penetrating damp to the front and rear ground-floor walls and failed cavity insulation. An independent engineer's 30 April report says the defects probably pre-dated inspection but identifies further testing as necessary.
## 3. Loss and evidence
Two written quotations are £9,860 and £10,420 for drainage repairs, removal of damaged plaster, drying and reinstatement; I presently claim the lower £9,860 estimate. I also claim £420 for the engineer, making £10,280 presently evidenced, subject to causation, mitigation and legal assessment. Enclosed are the survey, photographs dated 18 April, engineer report and both quotes.
## 4. Complaint and requested response
Please treat this as a formal complaint and notification of a potential professional-negligence claim. Within 21 days, by 4 August 2025, please provide your investigation, relevant file and insurance details, and say whether you accept responsibility or propose a joint inspection. Please preserve notes and photographs; no settlement or admission is assumed.
## 5. Procedure and signature
If unresolved I may use the firm's complaints process, RICS dispute route or court proceedings, after checking the current professional-negligence pre-action protocol, limitation and prescribed requirements. This letter does not guarantee recovery or establish causation. Yours faithfully, Natalie Brooks, 14 July 2025.