Leasehold purchase - buildings insurance query

je11222

Hi all,

We bought a leasehold flat in February 2015. Recently we have found out that the installation of the boiler was not done correctly. The flue is a complete shambles, and we are facing mounting costs to resolve. These costs will not be covered by our household insurance, as the issues are related to installation, not failure, of goods. The boiler itself works fine, and is still under guarantee, but this is no help. We have been referred to our buildings insurance for cover.

As the property is leasehold, this insurance is held by the freeholder. This same person was also responsible for the installation of this boiler, although I think this is an irrelevant point.

The issue falls awkwardly between parties and policies, but fault is very clearly with the installation. Can anyone tell me if there is any obligation for the freeholder to cover this work, and whether we can call upon any Gas Safety conditions or regulations to force the issue?

Thanks very much in advance for any help.

John

pinkpiglit

How long ago was the boiler installed?

G_M

This is unlikely to be covered by insurance.

The fault lies with the installer who should have been a GasSafe registered engineer, and should have ensured it complied wih whatever regulations were in force at the time of the installation (not necessarily the current regs).

Either chase the engineer, or complain to GasSafe (or CORGI if the intallation pre-dates GasSafe).

csgohan4

When was the house built?

je11222

Thanks to all so far. The boiler was installed in August 2014 - purchase made in Feb 15.

The freeholder has told us the installation was done by a contractor, but that they don't have details.

The house was built in 1905, but our flat is an refurb job which was completed 2014.

pinkpiglit

OP - I assume you didn't have it checked out prior to purchase as this would have been picked up.


However it was less than a year old when you bought the property so surely you insisted on having all the relevant documentation (warranty, gas safe certification etc) in case you needed to rely on said warranty ?


Edit - I should add that whilst the boiler warranty may not cover the flue issue, you would at least know who the installer was !

cattie

Buildings insurance doesn't cover anything such as this. Building insurance covers only the fabric of the actual building. When you buy a property, in the survey you are usually advised to appoint your own specialist to check out such things as gas, electricity & water services prior to completion.

A solicitor will usually request any documentation relating to boiler checks, guarantees etc. so really you should have got the boiler checked once you knew vendor had no documentation relating to the boiler.

G_M

You have been given (or asked for) the installation documentation (if only for the warranty!)

Try searching the GasSafe site or see:

Not received your certificate? If you have not received your certificate call our Customer Services and we will check if your engineer has notified the installation. If they haven’t you will need to contact your engineer to ask them to notify the work to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations requirement.