CASE STUDY – Smoke Alarms & RCDs
Kate had her home on the market for quite a few months before a buyer made her an offer, which she decided to accept.
The buyer knew that they had to arrange for finance and that they were also going on an overseas holiday in a week’s time, so had been advised to make a settlement three months from the date of the offer being made. Kate agreed to the long settlement, as she wanted to secure the sale with the buyer.
Kate was not made aware by her agent of the legislation that required Kate to install two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Mains Powered Smoke Alarms at the property, prior to the property being transferred.
Kate did not think she had to do anything else before the settlement, as the only special condition on the O&A was for the buyer to obtain a timber pest inspection.
The settlement agent acting for Kate was aware of the regulations and provided information and advised her of her obligations as the current owner. Kate then arranged for the regulations to be met before settlement and provided evidence to show the buyer.
If Kate had not been made aware early that she had to arrange for the RCDs or mains-powered smoke alarms to be installed she would have been in a situation where a settlement could have been delayed or a large fine imposed on her by the regulatory body.