No FENSA certificates.. what options are there

jodiepoke

Hi,
(full time lurker, first time asker)

I am a FTB and buying a flat.

The flat had windows fitted in early 2013 and the current owner purchased mid 2013. She has no certificates for these windows and the surveyor noticed they do not have the British kite mark so advised they may be unsafe, but I understand regs change and my current home does not have any so i'm not bothered about that.

I am concerned as to why the seller does not have certificates as she should have got them when she bought the property. Its a second floor flat so getting windows fitted must be rather expensive and I don't want to have to replace them. I've also checked the FENSA website and the flat next door has certificates registered in 2013 but not the one we are purchasing.
The lease/management company does not, as far as we are aware, cover the windows.

What can be done about the certificates? Can we get an indemnity insurance or get the seller to get someone to certify them?

All advice welcome!

Thanks!:)

marksoton

If it's flats it would be very unusual for the leaseholder to be the one getting the work done. Unless of course she's a freeholder too?

Grenage

Your surveyor is covering his behind, the FENSA certificate wouldn't have made the windows any better or worse, and if they haven't spontaneously exploded after three years, you're probably safe.

You can ask the seller to pay for an indemnity policy; they may or may not agree. My buyer wanted such (undoubtedly at the recommendation of their conveyancer), and I declined.

societys_child

Its a second floor flat so getting windows fitted must be rather expensive and I don't want to have to replace them

Why do you think you'd have to replace them?

bouicca21

Well in my building the windows are down to me but must be done in accordance with the freeholder's requirements - so require a FENSA certificate. I'd be covering myself with an indemnity, as long as it wasn't too expensive. I would however be worried if the Windows posed a potential danger to children.

mpeople

If no fensa available then ask the vendor if you can have the windows inspected by a window installation company.if the window company says they are ok then ask the vendor for a lack of fensa indemnity policy.

Planning permission is often required for replacement windows so check that out. good luck.

google "planningportal replacement windows flats".

Chanes

Of all the house things I find FENSA the most ridiculous. We have windows fitted by a friend and pay the council to pass them. And even that is stupid regulation! Buy decent glass in a good frame and ensure it is fitted well and ensure one window can act as a fire escape on the upper floor seems like common sense not something to regulate like it is!

Oh and indemnity is the usual move if they don't get a certificate I read.

anselld

If FENSA certificates are not available I would use toilet paper.... in fact I prefer toilet paper.

societys_child

Chanes wrote: »

Of all the house things I find FENSA the most ridiculous.

Having seen the work of some* FENSA "registered fitters", I agree :eek:

* note I said "some" - fortunately, many are competent.

mpeople

FENSA certification has its limitations a lot of limitations. So we have always had windows inspected by a window install company.

Relying on self certification submissions on internet search sites is just a guide only,been there and know about it.

Thrugelmir

jodiepoke wrote: »

The flat had windows fitted in early 2013 and the current owner purchased mid 2013. She has no certificates for these windows and the surveyor noticed they do not have the British kite mark so advised they may be unsafe, but I understand regs change and my current home does not have any so i'm not bothered about that.

You've been advised. Up to you for peace of mind whether to have the windows checked. Plenty of rogue tradespeople about who'll do the job cheaper. .