Buying House and found gas boiler to be unsafe - Help

G8311374

Hi,

I am in the process of buying my first house in Scotland. When I looked around the house the seller assured that the boiler was serviced annually and there were no problems with it. My solicitor has asked for proof of servicing and has received a copy of last year british gas inspection certificate which states that the boiler is unsafe and does not conform to current safety standards. can we force the seller to replace the boiler or ask her to reduce the cost of property to accommodate us purchasing a new boiler? What is the law surrounding this? Any help would be great thanks.

Helen x

armour

Ask for 2 grand off and settle for one.

Annisele

Does the certificate definitely say that the boiler is unsafe? If it just says that the boiler doesn't conform to current standards, that's fairly normal - the standards keep changing, but that doesn't mean all the boilers fitted to the old standards will suddenly blow up.

must-resist-ebay

I'd have thought that if the boiler was unsafe then it would have been disconnected at the time and old boilers may be perfectly safe but not comply with the latest standards. British gas are known for trying to sell new boilers if your on their service package, for about 8 years every time they serviced my mums 30 year old boiler they said the same thing and tried to sell her a new one for nearly double what an independent plumber eventually charged when parts were no longer available.

But I'd be getting a quote for a new boiler and try to negotiate the cost off the price of the house. You'll probably end up paying half yourself though

kentmum1973

Annisele wrote: »

Does the certificate definitely say that the boiler is unsafe? If it just says that the boiler doesn't conform to current standards, that's fairly normal - the standards keep changing, but that doesn't mean all the boilers fitted to the old standards will suddenly blow up.

I agree with this. I doubt is technically unsafe, just out of date. Both the house I sold and bought recently had a boiler like this. Mainly due to flue issues.

DVardysShadow

Annisele wrote: »

Does the certificate definitely say that the boiler is unsafe? If it just says that the boiler doesn't conform to current standards, that's fairly normal - the standards keep changing, but that doesn't mean all the boilers fitted to the old standards will suddenly blow up.

I agree with this. Get your own gas certified fitter to inspect and advise. It would be unfair to use British Gas's devious selling techniques as a rod to beat your seller with.

dimbo61

What you need to look at is the big picture !
If the boiler is old and the radiators look rusty maybe now is the time for a whole new system combi boiler valiant/bosch and new rads/valves etc and the same with the wiring.
Need at least 4 double sockets in every room

poppysarah

armour wrote: »

Ask for 2 grand off and settle for one.

Ask for 3 and settle at 2k

bris

There is no law regarding it, if you can negotiate with the vendors then fine, if not follow all the other posters advice and have your own inspection done.

Emmzi

I had an over excitable newly qualified engineer tell me my boiler was not safe and out a sticker on it.

I took the sticker off (if it is bad they disconnect it btw!) and got a seasoned tradesman in. 2 years on still going fine.

elmer

Our Boiler was "not to current standards" when we bought our new build house a few years ago, apparently the standards changed between planning and completion, its still a five year old boiler that works perfectly.