Problems after completion?

Adly812

I bought a property, and my solicitors asked my seller- when was the last boiler service and to see the report?
They said it was done last year but They can't find the report paperwork. To avoid further delays (as we were at our last hurdle before completion) I accepted this answer and did not action a service being done or ask any other questions.
We completed and I moved in,mthey I now have discovered a leak on the boiler and its needing replaced.
Do I have to just put this down to bad luck and deal with it and the costs myself or can I claim anything off the seller for the costs and issues incurred?

k3lvc

One of the regularly asked questions on the board (and one that I've fallen foul of too)

Your time to raise this was pre-completion and not to accept the 'we've lost the certificate' line

If your solicitor is anything like mine he'll offer you the chance to chase the vendor with little chance of success and a higher solicitors bill - alternatively throw the money at a new/repaired boiler and start afresh

ReadingTim

Sadly, as it's now your house and your boiler, it's now your problem.

Spend your time, energy and money on getting that fixed, rather than fruitlessly pursuing the former owner.

Guest101

Smb3088 wrote: »

I bought a property, and my solicitors asked my seller- when was the last boiler service and to see the report?
They said it was done last year but They can't find the report paperwork. To avoid further delays (as we were at our last hurdle before completion) I accepted this answer and did not action a service being done or ask any other questions.
We completed and I moved in,mthey I now have discovered a leak on the boiler and its needing replaced.
Do I have to just put this down to bad luck and deal with it and the costs myself or can I claim anything off the seller for the costs and issues incurred?

A boiler can develop a leak the minute after a service. If you wanted it checking you should've just paid for it to be done.

sparky130a

Smb3088 wrote: »

Do I have to just put this down to bad luck and deal with it and the costs myself or can I claim anything off the seller for the costs and issues incurred?

I'm afraid so.

DaftyDuck

There's no realistic comeback on the vendor, and I agree with the others, a leak could have started at any time, service or not.

HOWEVER... are you sure it needs replacing? Who said so, and was he well-qualified? Get a second opinion, and a third. Find a local boiler engineer, not British Gas or one of the large groups.

There's often more money for the company in selling a new boiler than fixing the old one, and it's certainly the easier route for the less-able engineer. Of course, your boiler could be well-and-truly knackered...

Post the boiler model, and clearest description of the problem on The DIY Forum on here , as there are some excellent boiler techies who may advise.

teddysmum

Companies like BG are likely to tell you an older boiler needs replacing, even if it just needs a repair or service, as the engineers get sales commission.


Get a quote from a reputable local company ,that is likely to be honest with you, especially if you are likely to use them again for servicing.

Adly812

Thanks everyone, I'll just kick myself for not insisting on an up to date report when I had the chance and sort it out ASAP. Thanks for clarity.

G_M

Another vote here for an independant local gas man. If you can get a recomendation from friends/neighbours, great. If not, search via the GasSafe register.

If it reall IS knackered, get at least 3 quotes.

The DIYNOT forum is also good for gassafe engineers.