The Complete Compliance Guide Every Seller Should Read

Getting your property sorted and sale-ready can be a fickle task. Dotting your i's and crossing your t's when it comes to compliance can be stressful and time consuming if you're unsure of the requirements and where to start. 

Don't panic! Our handy compliance guide below contains everything you need to know to ensure that your property is abiding by all local property rules and regulations.

5 Essential Compliance Certificates for South African Properties

1. Electrical Compliance Certificate

This certificate is necessary to ensure that your property is compliant with the regulations and safety standards laid out in the Health and Safety Act of 1993 (Act 85 of 1993). Before you can sell your property, a qualified compliance assessor must inspect all:

• Plugs
• Lights
• DB boards
• Geysers
• Wiring

The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that all of these components are installed and functioning properly, and do not pose a threat to any person, property, or animal.

As the owner, you are responsible for ensuring that the electrical compliance of your property is maintained, as you will be liable for any costs incurred as a result of an incident or injury should insurance fall through. It is recommended that this certificate is attended to sooner rather than later, as any faults that come up may take some time to rectify before you are able to sell.

Certificate valid for: 2 years (unless alterations are made before the expiration date)

2. Beetle Compliance Certificates

Another certificate of compliance required is a Beetle Wood Destroying Organisms compliance certificate. This certificate supports the sale of a property with exposed wood to confirm that there are no infestations of wood destroying organisms (WDO). These organisms can cause significant damage and destruction to a property if not dealt with swiftly.

If an infestation is found, your compliance assessor will make recommendations for treatment. Once treatment is completed and there are no further signs of infestation your certificate will be issued. While this certificate isn't required by law or governed by a specific legislation, it is common practice to obtain one should an offer to purchase contract or bank require it.

Certificate valid for: 3 months (from date of issue)

3. Water and Plumbing Compliance Certificates

This certificate is required to ensure that no clean water goes to waste on the property, and that plumbing and water use complies with the local by-laws of the City of Cape Town Municipality. 

Your compliance assessor will inspect the following aspects of the property's water and plumbing:

• Hot water cylinder
• Geyser drip trays
• Water pipes
• Storm water drainage
• Leaks
• Water meter functionality
• Grey water systems
• Groundwater systems

Certificate valid for: 6 months (from date of issue)

4. Gas Compliance Certificates

Properties that make use of gas facilities require a Gas Compliance certificate to confirm that the installations are safe, up to standard and free of leaks. This includes features like gas fireplaces or braais, gas stoves, and gas geysers or hot water systems. All gas installations must comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations and SABS Regulations for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations (SANS 10087-1, as amended).

Certificate valid for: 1 year (a new certificate should be issued each year when the installation is maintained)

5. Electric Fencing Compliance Certificates

Before you sell your property, obtaining an official certificate of compliance for your electric fencing is vital. It is important to note that this certificate is issued separately to standard Electrical Compliance Certificates. Also regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this certificate confirms that your electric fence:

• Is working properly
• Cannot be touched by accident (children, animals, etc.)
• Complies with all local electric fence legislation at the time of installation

Certificate valid for: 2 years (from date of issue)

Thinking of selling? Let's talk!

If you're ready to put up that for sale sign, we hope these compliance tips have been helpful in getting your important compliance certificates in order. In the meantime, let's help you with quick and accurate property valuation to get your sale going. Get in touch today for more information.