Gas fire 'concern for safety' notice when selling house.

Jenniveve

Hello all,

I am currently in the process of selling my house to someone who wishes to let out the property. We are about to exchange contracts. In the living room is a feature fireplace, but I've been very clear during viewings and draft contracts etc that the gas fire does not work.. I had it looked at by a my ex's gas registered friend when it stopped working and he said it was safe.

Outside the property gas pipe works have been carried out. When turning the gas back on one guy tested all my appliances and put a sign on my fire because it didn't work. I've called up the number on the paperwork they've given me and they've said it was an overly cautious, standard type of thing, because it wasn't working, and that there's no need for immediate action (except to not use it) and the documentation can be passed on to the new seller if I want to.

Can I just leave the fire labelled up and documentation in the house so the seller can be made aware of it? Is there any way this can come back on me?

I am considering paying for a gas fitter to remove the notice but this seems like a waste of money as the new owner will have to pay for landlord level checks anyway. I'd also be worried about the 'feature fireplace' which I have promised, being ripped out or tiles chipped etc.

Advice?

Guest101

You're being overly cautious. It's not your responsibility to sort out.

Jenniveve

Thanks! That's reassuring

G_M

Provided you have not suggested the fire is working and safe, you need do nothing more.

The buyer then knows what he's buying and can decide for himself as a new owner whether to fix it, leave it as is, or remove it.