Key Takeaways
- Most UK lenders require you to obtain a solicitor’s certificate before signing a consent to mortgage form, proving you understand the legal risks.
- An SRA-regulated solicitor must explain the consequences of signing, including the possible loss of your property rights if the mortgage is not repaid.
- Signing a consent to mortgage without proper legal advice could leave you personally liable and make it harder to challenge the lender later.
- ILA for consent to mortgage is almost always needed before mortgage completion or fund release from your lender.
- The solicitor’s role is to check your full understanding and voluntary agreement, issue a compliant certificate, and protect you from signing under pressure.
- Fast ILA delivers fully remote, lender-approved ILA for consent to mortgage forms, with fixed fees and fast, same-day or urgent slots available.
- You receive a digital solicitor’s certificate, accepted by all UK lenders, after a simple video call and secure ID check.
- Fast ILA is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 100% five-star reviews.
Book your remote, fixed-fee consent to mortgage ILA appointment today with Fast ILA for total speed and confidence.
Do I Need a Solicitor to Sign a Consent to Mortgage Form in the UK?
If you’re asked to sign a consent to mortgage (or occupier’s consent) form, nearly every UK mortgage lender insists you obtain independent legal advice (ILA) from a solicitor first. This isn’t just a formality—signing without proper guidance could put vital legal rights and your financial position at risk if the mortgage isn’t repaid.
Lenders require a solicitor-certified ILA certificate to prove you fully understand the consequences and are acting freely. As SRA-regulated solicitors, Fast ILA ensures you know the full picture before you sign. Our fixed-fee, fully remote service is always accepted by UK lenders and removes the hassle of in-office visits.
Lenders rarely release funds or complete the mortgage without a solicitor’s ILA certificate for all adult occupiers. Delaying the process to arrange last-minute advice can cause unwanted delays.
It’s always best to book your ILA appointment early to streamline the mortgage process.
Why Do Lenders Require ILA for Consent to Mortgage Forms?
When you sign a consent to mortgage or occupier’s consent form, you often give up statutory protection as an occupier, allowing the lender to take security over the property. Lenders require a solicitor’s certificate to confirm:
- You understand the implications and legal risks.
- Your agreement is genuinely voluntary and free from pressure.
- You cannot later claim ignorance or misrepresentation if things go wrong.
This UK-wide practice follows leading case law—including RBS v Etridge (No 2)—which states lenders must ensure non-owning adults receive independent legal advice before giving up home rights.
| Case Name | Principle Established |
|---|---|
| RBS v Etridge (No 2) [2001] | Lenders must ensure occupiers receive independent legal advice to confirm informed, voluntary consent before losing home rights. |
The solicitor must be independent from all interested parties—usually the lender and property owner. Your Fast ILA solicitor’s main duty is to you.
Independent ILA certificates protect both you and your lender from future disputes or legal challenges.
What Legal Risks Do You Face by Signing a Consent to Mortgage Without ILA?
Signing without fully understanding the effects—or under pressure—could lead to serious legal and financial problems:
- You may lose your right to live in the property if the mortgage falls into arrears and is repossessed.
- Challenging eviction may be very difficult once you have signed.
- If you sign under pressure or without proper advice, your consent could be declared invalid, leading to complex legal disputes.
- The lender may refuse to proceed or release funds, causing delays or even jeopardising the whole transaction.
Fast ILA ensures you receive a clear, jargon-free explanation of the implications, so you don’t sign under pressure or in the dark.
What Happens During Your Consent to Mortgage ILA Appointment?
Your independent legal advice appointment with Fast ILA is focused on your understanding, safety, and protection of your legal rights.
The Video Call Process
Your Fast ILA meeting is a confidential, 20–30 minute one-to-one session via secure video call with an SRA-regulated solicitor. No one else should be present during your call. This guarantees independent advice free from outside influence.
Documents Your Solicitor Will Review
Your Fast ILA solicitor will review:
- Your photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- The draft consent to mortgage form (or occupier’s consent)
- The mortgage offer or mortgage deed
- Details about your connection to the property, if not stated in the form
Legal Points and Questions You’ll Cover
All Fast ILA appointments include:
- Verifying your ID and relationship to the property.
- Clearly explaining what you are signing and what rights you may lose (e.g., risk of eviction).
- Checking for any signs of pressure or outside influence.
- Highlighting your absolute right to refuse to sign.
- Reviewing the full risks and confirming you understand them before issuing your certificate.
Once satisfied you are giving informed, voluntary consent, your Fast ILA solicitor will promptly issue the official ILA certificate for your lender.
Your digital certificate is issued quickly after your meeting—sometimes within the hour for urgent transactions.
What Documents Do You Need for Your Consent to Mortgage ILA Appointment?
You’ll need a few key documents prepared so your ILA appointment runs smoothly:
- Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- The consent to mortgage/occupier’s consent form as received from your lender or solicitor
- A copy of your mortgage offer or deed (usually provided by your broker or lender)
- Details of your connection to the property if not already clear
- Any lender correspondence clarifying their ILA requirements
If you are missing something, let Fast ILA know—our team can work directly with your lender or broker to source missing documents.
The Fast ILA Process: How to Get Your Lender-Approved Solicitor Certificate Online
Fast ILA’s digital ILA process is specifically designed for speed, convenience, and full lender compliance—making it ideal for urgent completions or remote clients.
1. Book Online or by Phone at a Fixed Fee
Reserve your ILA slot through our secure online portal or by calling our friendly team. Appointments are available same day and to suit your schedule, including after hours.
2. Upload Your Documents Securely
You’ll receive a unique, encrypted link to send your ID and legal documents. Your Fast ILA solicitor reviews these in advance to ensure there are no barriers to completing your ILA promptly.
3. Attend Your Remote Video Call
Your SRA-regulated solicitor will explain the consent to mortgage, check your voluntary agreement, and answer all your questions—one-on-one and totally confidential.
4. Receive Your Digital, Lender-Approved Certificate (Often Same Day)
When your understanding and free choice are clear, Fast ILA issues your digital certificate—usually within hours. This is sent directly to your lender or conveyancer as required.
| Service Level | Certificate Turnaround | Appointment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24–48 hours | Remote (video call) |
| Urgent / Same-Day | Often within hours | Remote (video call) |
Book your online ILA appointment early to avoid mortgage delays or last-minute panic.
Why Is ILA So Important for Consent to Mortgage in England & Wales?
ILA isn’t just paperwork. In England & Wales, occupiers or non-owning adults often have rights to stay in the property unless they give truly informed and voluntary consent. Lenders need solicitor-certified ILA to:
- Ensure valid, challenge-resistant consent before mortgage funds are released.
- Avoid future disputes or claims of undue influence.
- Comply with strict court expectations, particularly following the RBS v Etridge (No 2) decision.
If your ILA is missing or incomplete, your lender may refuse to complete the mortgage, risking transaction failure and unnecessary costs.
Digital ILA certificates from Fast ILA provide your lender with the audit trail and legal assurance they need.
Common Pitfalls in Consent to Mortgage Forms: What to Watch For
Rushing or skipping proper advice around consent to mortgage can cause significant issues, including:
- Signing under pressure from family, partners, or brokers.
- Not realising you could lose your home if payments are missed.
- Signing in the presence of other interested parties, making your ILA certificate vulnerable to challenge.
- Missing deadline dates, causing completion or funding delays.
- Using a non-solicitor or overseas lawyer—almost all UK lenders reject these.
Fast ILA’s solicitors make sure you understand every legal risk and are free to make your own decision.
The Fast ILA Advantage: Why Choose Us for Your Consent to Mortgage ILA?
Fast ILA’s services are designed for speed, reassurance, and full lender compliance. Our SRA-regulated solicitors:
- Offer fixed-fee, 100% remote appointments—even for urgent, same-day cases.
- Explain all legal implications and rights clearly, ensuring you understand before you sign.
- Provide digital certificates accepted by all major UK lenders and conveyancers.
- Liaise with brokers and mortgage advisors directly, reducing hassle for you and resolving queries quickly.
- Use robust ID checks, encrypted document handling, and video calls for your legal protection.
Choose Fast ILA for experienced, compliant, and transparent independent legal advice, wherever you are in the UK or overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solicitor Advice for Consent to Mortgage
Can I get independent legal advice for a consent to mortgage form online?
Yes. Fast ILA’s process is 100% remote. Book your ILA appointment, upload your documents, meet your solicitor by video call, and get your digital certificate—no office visits or post needed.
Will my lender accept a digital solicitor certificate from Fast ILA?
All major UK lenders accept remote ILA certificates from SRA-regulated solicitors. If your lender has special requirements, Fast ILA will confirm these before your appointment.
How much does ILA for occupier’s consent cost?
Fast ILA charges a clear, fixed fee per occupier for remote ILA, with no hidden extras. Fees are shown upfront when you book.
What if I’ve already signed without legal advice?
Contact Fast ILA immediately. Your lender will likely require you to sign again, this time with independent legal advice and a solicitor’s certificate. Acting quickly reduces the risk of delay or mortgage refusal.
Can the lender’s solicitor provide my ILA?
No. Your ILA must be independent from the lender and anyone involved in the transaction. Fast ILA acts solely for the occupier, ensuring your consent is valid and your rights are protected.
How quickly will I receive my solicitor’s certificate?
Most Fast ILA clients receive their certificates within hours of their video call—often the same day, especially for urgent completions.
What are my rights if I refuse to sign?
You cannot be forced to consent. Refusing may halt or delay the mortgage, but you retain your legal occupancy rights. Fast ILA solicitors always make sure you understand the implications before deciding.
Does Fast ILA offer urgent or same-day appointments?
Yes. Fast ILA specialises in same-day, evening, and urgent ILA appointments for consent to mortgage. Let us know your timescale when booking.
Will the solicitor tell me if I should sign?
Fast ILA solicitors won’t pressure you. Their role is to explain the risks and only support your consent if you freely choose to give it. They step in immediately if undue influence is suspected.
Can non-UK residents get consent to mortgage ILA for a UK property?
Yes. Fast ILA advises UK and international clients. All that’s required is internet access and standard ID—everything else is completed remotely and securely.
Book Your Consent to Mortgage ILA with Fast ILA Today
Complete your lender’s requirements for consent to mortgage quickly and confidently. Fast ILA’s SRA-regulated solicitors provide fixed-fee, remote advice and digital certificates accepted by all UK lenders. Book an urgent or standard appointment to suit your needs, and let us help you keep your property transaction on track.
