Selling flat with a ‘boiler at risk’

quajo11

Hi everyone

I live in a flat with a 13-14 year old boiler which has been given an ‘at risk’ notice by British Gas because of the lack of access to inspect the flue. At the time engineer said that it’s no big deal just carry on as normal. So we did!

Coming to sell the place now, am I obliged to make this known to sellers (I had no idea when I bought it)? Otherwise boiler is reliable.

Obviously I don’t want to hold back basic information but also don’t want to create unnecessary problems. Will this be a problem for us?

Appreciate any guidance

Cheers
Joe

PasturesNew

In all honesty, it's a slow market right now.... and it will put off many buyers. It's probably worth getting the money somehow and just doing it and being able to put in the details "New boiler 2019" as that'll drag IN buyers for viewings - and - they're less likely to make such a low offer as those who spot it needs a boiler.

If it needs a boiler, buyers are "scared", they don't know what that'll cost and don't want the hassle. Some won't view it at all, some will never make an offer, others will put in a daft offer and say "needs new boiler, god knows what else". If it's a new boiler you'll get 2-3x the viewings, more actual real interested viewers and the offers won't be throwing the boiler in your face.

AnotherJoe

Can you explain what is meant by "lack of access to inspect the flue" ?
Would this be a problem with a new boiler? Would it make it difficult to install a new boiler?

davidmcn

In short no, you don't need to declare it. But buyers may figure it out if they instruct their own inspection.

quajo11

Thanks both.

Yep so the engineer said that the flue is essentially sealed in and goes through the loft. In order to access properly he suggested putting in access hatches. I have no idea if installation of a new boiler would be made harder by this.

The boiler itself is very easily accessible.

PasturesNew

quajo11 wrote: »

Thanks both.

Yep so the engineer said that the flue is essentially sealed in and goes through the loft. In order to access properly he suggested putting in access hatches. I have no idea if installation of a new boiler would be made harder by this.

The boiler itself is very easily accessible.

Just get 3-4 blokes round to give you some quotes, see what they say. Not British Gas, they're expensive.... just Gas Registered local blokes of good standing.

You live there and are having this quandry - imagine how this'd be going through the mind of a potential buyer.... they'd be wishing their little legs could carry them faster because many would assume "if they've not bothered to fix it, there must be some peculiar issue".

Get the numbers.... it's your only way forward. Else you're just guessing without any framework.... AND .. you'd not even be able to answer these questions if a viewer asked about it....

Owain_Moneysaver

quajo11 wrote: »

I live in a flat with a 13-14 year old boiler which has been given an 'at risk' notice by British Gas because of the lack of access to inspect the flue. At the time engineer said that it's no big deal just carry on as normal. So we did!

If the engineer has labelled the boiler at risk then it should not be used.

If an installation is classified as 'At Risk' there are one or more recognised faults present which could constitute a danger to life or property without further faults developing. The installation will be turned off with your permission, and should not be used again until the fault has been corrected.

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-in-the-home/warning-labels/

Since 1st January 2013, flues that remove fumes from a room sealed, fan assisted boiler and are concealed in a void (for example, in a ceiling, behind a wall or within boxing) must have suitably sized inspection hatches installed so that the entire length of the flue can be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer during a safety check.

If a flue is inaccessible or the hatches are not positioned correctly or of adequate size to allow the entire flue to be inspected, the engineer will classify the appliance as 'At Risk' and apply a 'Danger Do Not Use' label to the appliance.

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/faqs/

This is because carbon monoxide entering the void could kill not just you, but your neighbours.

A new boiler will not be able to be installed in the same location unless access hatches are fitted.

I would expect a surveyor to highlight the age of the boiler and if he's clued up to highlight possible flue access issues as well. A gas safety report prepared for a potential buyer should certainly flag this up as a serious issue.