Compliance Certificates: what you need to know

When you're buying or selling a property, it's essential to ensure it complies with safety regulations through certification. These certificates are crucial, providing assurance to both buyers and sellers that the property meets necessary standards.

They cover various aspects, including electrical, gas, plumbing, and beetle infestation. For a property to guarantee the property's legitimacy and safety, each certificate has a distinct function. 

Electrical Certificate of Compliance 

An electrical compliance certificate remains valid for two years unless alterations are made. In the event of any modifications or additions to the electrical setup, a new certificate must be obtained.

Now, what does it actually cover? It looks at all the essential bits of your electrical setup, like the distribution boards (where the electricity is controlled), the wiring throughout your home, and the earthing and bonding of metal components (which is about keeping everything safely connected). But it doesn't include appliances that are fixed in place, like your geyser or stove.

Electric Fence System Compliance Certificate

You'll need an Electric Fence System Compliance Certificate if your property has electric fencing. This certificate confirms that your electric fence meets the safety rules set out in the Electrical Machinery Regulations. It's valid for two years and must be certified by an approved installer. This certificate assures your property's security measures, making sure your electric fence is up to standard and safe to use.

Water Installation Certificate

By law, in places like Cape Town, you need a Water Installation Certificate. This certificate shows that your water system follows national building rules. It checks things like whether your water metre works, whether there are any connections mixing different water types, and whether you're saving water properly. This one helps prevent water waste, protects buyers from hidden problems, and ensures that you won't get big water bills because of leaks.

Gas Certificate of Compliance

If your property uses liquid gas appliances, you'll need a Gas Certificate of Compliance when you sell it. Valid for five years, this certificate ensures that gas components are safe, leak-free, and installed correctly. It also ensures that the emergency shut-off valves are in the right place and that everything is far enough from doors, drains, and electrical stuff to be safe. So, it's like a safety check for your gas setup, ensuring everything is suitable for the new owners.

Beetle Infestation Clearance Certificate

Although not always required in some areas, a Beetle Infestation Clearance Certificate is often expected in property deals, particularly coastal regions. This certificate assures that your property is clear of wood-damaging insects like beetles. While not necessary inland, banks or insurers in infested areas might ask for it. Essentially, it's a way to ensure there are no pesky bugs eating away at your home's structure, giving buyers and sellers peace of mind in knowing the property is insect-free.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a certificate of compliance can vary depending on factors such as property size and location. Fees typically range from R500 to R1000 per certificate. However, electrical certificates can range from R850 to R1,500. If faults are found, the cost could range from R1,000 to R15,000 or more - prices can vary and should be discussed with the service provider.

Why is it essential for both sides?

For sellers, having all relevant certificates shows openness and facilitates the transfer procedure, avoiding potential legal penalties associated with noncompliance. On the other hand, buyers benefit from these certifications since they know the property they are purchasing meets safety requirements and is free of any hazards, giving them peace of mind throughout the transaction.

Whether buying or selling, it's imperative to prioritise obtaining and verifying these certificates to ensure a hassle-free process and safeguard the interests of all parties involved. Compliance may seem bureaucratic, but it protects property owners and occupants, contributing to safer and more secure living environments.

Are you looking to buy a property? At Upton Properties, we have amazing listings available. You can browse through our properties or contact us today for more information.