FENSA Indemnity Policy

Miffy

I'm selling my flat, where a double glazed window was fitted in 2003, one year after the legislation requiring a FENSA certificate. I don't have the certificate and I don't believe Building Regulations were obtained.

My solicitor said an indemnity policy would cost around £100, which I agreed. It has now gone up to £386.90 + £60.00 arrangement fee. This seems pretty steep for one window.

Has anyone else taken out a policy like this recently? Do I have to go via my solicitor?

Thank you.

leveller2911

How big is the window?.......May be cheaper just to replace the window again by a company which is FENSA registered or if you are a competant DIYer replace it yourself under your local Councils "Building notice" scheme.........

Doesn't need to be FENSA.... Basically you fill out a form from the council telling them of your intention to replace a window and when the work is being carried out the Building control officer will pop round to check that the window complies with regulations and he signs off the work. Upvc windows can be very cheap indeed.

loubel

That's very expensive! These policies are usually very cheap; are you sure it's just for lack of FENSA?

G_M

Have you contacted FENSA? Just because you "don't have the certificate " does not mean the installer did not register it with FENSA.

Or, why not contact the installer?

What is the indemnity insurance to cover?

* the workmanship? It won't.

* Buildings Regs enforcement? Does not happen once 12 months is passed.

* to satisfy the buyer? Tell him the above.

* to satisfy the buyer's mortgage lender - ah! That is the only reason for this pointless policy which is money-for-nothing for the insurer.

These policies never pay out so are pure profit!

Miffy

Many thanks for your replies.

I think the window is 1190 x 1010mm. I like your suggestion, leveller2911, to replace the window but to be honest the headaches this move is giving me I'd rather pay up!

Loubel - yes this is just for lack of the certificate. The only thing I can think of, is that the windows at the front of the property (tall, Regency bay windows with curved glass) are listed and they have got a quote which assumes the windows at the back are also listed; which they aren't.

Miffy

Thanks G_M.

I have contacted FENSA and there is no certificate. The contractors, who were cowboys (I remember!) have gone bust.

My solicitor said "if a certificate was not issued the buyers solicitors will probably insist upon a lack of FENSA indemnity insurance."

Obviously, I'm going to follow up on whether they are insisting on it. I think for windows is it is more to do with energy efficiency than safety, workmanship etc.

jk0

If I get questions like this, I come over all foggy minded, and remember that the window was fitted before I moved in.

Miffy

Which is where I am too honest; it was actually put in before I bought the property but was living here as a tenant. I really wouldn't have known if it was pre 2002 if I hadn't come across some paperwork from the builders saying 2003 and very diligently put it in the application pack!

If I'd realised the consequences I'd have had amnesia!

Riggster

No-one cares about FENSA. I bought my house 6 weeks ago, windows are 7 years old. No FENSA, so what? Even my solicitor told me not to worry. Your window is 10 years old. Might need replacing in a bit, might not.

Cost me £2k to replace ALL my windows in my old 3 bed semi in 2011.

Tell your buyer windows are sold as seen. If its still a problem discount your asking price by £200 or just get a new window fitted.

kirstym100

Or you can get a regularisation certificate from the council's building control - cheaper than your indemnity policy!

hazyjo

My vendor was meant to get one but it was holding up exchange. My solicitor offered to do it instead for them and it cost around £50. So if yours are charging an extortionate amount, it might be worth seeing if the other side's can sort it and you can foot the bill (no idea how the vendor paid my solicitor).

Jx