Boiler service dispute....

[CSR2706]

We are close to finally exchanging on our first house we are buying but have come to a bit of a sticking point.
The sellers have disclosed on the property information sheet that they had a gas service done on their boiler in 2017, but marked documents unavailable. Our solicitor requested the documents and they have said they do not have them.
We have asked that they therefore have another service done prior to exchange of the contracts, however the sellers have refused. Surely the onus is on them to prove they have had this done if they said they have? I know we could arrange for one to be done and it isn't that costly but as a matter of principle I feel that it isn't our fault you cant find your certificate so why should we have to do this for you. Any advice??

Why are they so reluctant to get it serviced?

Because they're moving out! Why would a vendor want to spend a penny more than they have to on a house they're not going to continue living in? Buyers who think vendors should bend over backwards to provide them with everything they want absolutely do my head in. If you want the house, buy it. If not, don't but I can't bear all this messing about over inconsequential things. It's good practice to get things like gas, boilers, electrics checked for your own peace of mind when you move into a new property anyway. Not the vendors responsibility.

It's November I would want a service done/proof of recent service (which they said they had) who wants to risk moving in and finding the heating needs condemning!

@RandomMess you're buying a house. Unless they're deliberately trying to conceal something- which from the OP there is no reason to think they are- you need to make your own assessment as to whether you wish to purchase the property and all it includes. Beyond being reasonably honest and genuine you cannot possibly expect a vendor to guarantee everything in the property is in good working order and there is also no way, service or no service, anyone can guarantee a boiler will last you the winter so the fact it's November is utterly inconsequential.

A Gas Safe Service/Maintenance report should have been issued. The engineer should also retain a copy.

There is no legal requirement to issue such a document after a service unless it's a rented property when a Landlord Certificate is required.

www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-certificates-records/

@M0reGinPlease yes indeed but the vendors said it had been done in now can't produce the paperwork etc. Have been a bit shifty about the drain issue so erm yeah especially because it is November I would want one...

In fact when I next buy I would ask to pay for one just in case!

Putting aside the fact that you can only really expect them to produce an invoice, if you don't trust the vendors (and I'm not saying anyone should), there would be nothing to have stopped them messing around with the boiler themselves after it was serviced. And some people do that. Equally there are shoddy engineers who don't service boilers properly.

You'd also be hard pushed to get a service done quickly at this time of year.

I totally understand you are losing the trust, i suspect the vendor is hiding something.
It might be expensive to replace the boiler and doing a service will show that.
If the boiler isn't that old and your concern is only the servicing,then isn't an issue.

I totally understand you are losing the trust, i suspect the vendor is hiding something.

Or they are getting pissed off by the stupid questions and the dragging on of the sale. I had a similar thing when a buyer started wanting further damp reports just before exchange. It was a 'buy' this week or it's back on the market as I was fed up of them keep finding reasons and questions to stall the process. They exchanged in the end as I was happy by that time to pull out and start again.

I've never had a certificate because it's not rented - only rented properties need a gas certificate. When my boiler is serviced the only proof I have is my cheque book stub (yes he's the only person I pay by cheque!) in fact I could ask him but that's not the point. There's no domestic certificate available

Or they are getting pissed off by the stupid questions and the dragging on of the sale.

My point exactly. I have threatened to put houses back on the market- and have genuinely meant it- because buyers are faffing about ridiculous things days before exchange. How much do you want this house OP?

For goodness sake stop nit picking and get the boiler serviced yourself or pull out, then good luck with finding your perfect home. Glad you are not buying a house from me,