Unserviced boiler - Who's responsibility

DMUK

Hi all,

I realise that ultimately it is the buyers responsibility to be happy with all these issues, just looking for a cross section of opinion, or, best case scenario somebody to tell me of some obligation on the buyer side.

The survey noted some corrosion to the boiler bottom of the boiler, and after the EA lied about the fact the boiler was serviced every 6 months, the truth transpires that they had it serviced last 2 years ago, but they have zero documentation to support this claim.

I'm just wondering if it's our responsibility to pay for a service, or whether there are any laws governing this at the moment.

Thx,

D Muk

Doozergirl

You buy a house generally as seen - 'caveat emptor'

It's therefore up to you to have surveys, ask the right questions and try and negotiate what you want. No laws to support you.

I don't think there's any wrong or right way. Why does the vendor need to service a boiler that they won't be using but why should you pay for repairs?!

It's all part of the fine art of getting what you want without upsetting people!

Debt_Free_Chick

DMUK wrote: »

I'm just wondering if it's our responsibility to pay for a service, or whether there are any laws governing this at the moment.

No laws, no duties and no obligations.

It's simply a matter of negotiating with the seller - if, indeed, you think this is a potential show-stopper, given the price of a property and the cost of a service. Even the cost of replacing the boiler pales into insignificance, when you think of the cost of the property.

DMUK

Yeah I thought as much.

Thanks for the replies. I used the wrong phrase "pay for a service", when what I actually wanted was an inspection to make sure it is safe. I've been looking around and it seems that a new boiler is not cheap and it kinda scared me.

I guess we'd be best off getting a plumber to inspect it prior to occupation, and then negotiating if anything is wrong.

cattie

DMUK wrote: »

I guess we'd be best off getting a plumber to inspect it prior to occupation, and then negotiating if anything is wrong.

Not just any old plumber though! You need to ensure it's checked out by a Corgi registered gas fitter/plumber.

On the subject of the boiler, if it's so old & corroded, then it'll be more cost effective for you to have the boiler replaced when you can as it'll be far more efficient & will cost you less to run & maintain in the long run.