Boiler service and electrical certs

Aylesbury_Duck

Hi. I've been asked by my buyer's solicitor to provide details of the last boiler service (which I have) and to arrange a new service (was already booked for September anyway so no problem). My house was built at a time when the regulations about flue proximity to windows weren't as stringent as they are now, so every year, although my boiler passes all tests and is declared safe, I get an advisory note to tell me that the flue location doesn't conform to current standards.

Is this likely to pose a problem? I presume that the only solution would be to relocate the boiler entirely, which would not be an inexpensive job! Frankly, having lived here with children since 2000, it's never been a concern to me.

I've also been asked for electrical certificates but having not had any work done in my time here (not even any bathroom or kitchen fittings done since Part P came into being), and having not inherited any certificates when we moved in, I don't have anything. Again, is it likely to cause a problem? We are perhaps only days away from exchange, with all contracts signed and ready.

G_M

Different buyers (and their solicitors/mortgage lenders) have different requirements.

Basically, as a house-owner, there is no requirement for ou to have gas or elecrtical safety/inspection certificates.

Of course, any work you've had done (new boiler, new electrical circuits) should conform the Building Regulations in force at the time the work was done. So if this applies, provide those certificates.

Otherwise just respond "the buyer should rely on his own survey/inspection". and offer to allow access for a gas/electrical professional to inspect (at buyer's cost) if required.

Anything else you choose to offer is optional, but may be diplomatic to avoid losing your buyer - though a buyer who walks away from a purchase for lack of a non-essential piece of paper was probobly already looking for an excuse to walk away.....

bryanb

The only certificate a seller MUST provide is an Energy performance certificate.

Mickygg

As GM says. I was asked this by my buyer and told them in almost the same words to get their own inspection.

It is down to the buyer, not the seller.

Aylesbury_Duck

Thank you all for your replies. I did explain the issue of the flue to my buyer when he and his family came to view after their offer was accepted by me so the report won't be a surprise. As you have mentioned, it may be of concern to his conveyancer.

I shall get the service completed and the paperwork for that copied to my buyer because it's done as part of my boiler cover anyway. As you have suggested, if an electrical inspection or remedial work for the flue is required, I shall suggest it is carried out at the buyer's expense. I'm certainly not moving a certified safe boiler to conform with updated regulations at my expense.

I should add that my buyer has been exemplary at all stages to date, so I don't anticipate any concerns, but I'm concerned over how his conveyancer will react to the "Does not conform to current regulations" box on the form.

G_M

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

"Does not conform to current regulations" box on the form.

This is standard wording.

Only properties built within the last 6 - 12 months will conform to ALLcurrent standards/regulations/etc!

whalster

In the curent market where sales are thin you have to bend over backwards if you want your sale to go through it is just one of those things ,buyers currently have the upper hand.

its a rudy nightmare but if you don't want your buyer to do an indian runner then do what you can get the sale through then take your significant other to the Fat Duck for a slap up posh nosh


sorry could not resist the duck thing !

G_M

True it is a buyer's market, but on the other hand, a buyer will have forked out a good few hundred pounds on a survey, mortgage application, initial legal fes etc.

If he's going to walk away from buying for the sake of a £50 boiler service/inspection, he's nuts.

Aylesbury_Duck

thanks everyone. my buyers have been no trouble at all so I'm happy to accommodate the request to keep things trouble-free.

...and whalster, I'll be bill-ing you for that dreadful comment!