Certificates of Compliance
When selling a house in South Africa, several Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) may be required to ensure that the property meets safety and regulatory standards. These certificates ensure that the property is safe for the new owner and compliant with local regulations. They also protect both the buyer and the seller by identifying and addressing any potential issues before the sale is finalised.
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Standard Inspection Rates
| Service | Standard |
|---|---|
| Electrical | R 550.00 |
| Plumbing | R 550.00 |
| Beetle | R 550.00 |
| Gas | R 550.00 |
| Electric Fence | R 550.00 |
An undertaking from the transferring agent's attorneys is required to settle the account on registration of the property.
Discounted Inspection Rates
| Service | Standard | Discounted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Inspection | R 550.00 | — |
| 2 Inspections | R 950.00 | (R 475.00 each) |
| 3 Inspections | R 1350.00 | (R 450.00 each) |
| 4 Inspections | R 1750.00 | (R 437.50 each) |
| 5 Inspections | R 2150.00 | (R 430.00 each) |
- If no faults are found on the inspection, the COC will be issued at no extra cost.
- Repairs to be quoted accordingly.
- Discounted rates applicable for EFT/Cash payments if inspection fees are paid within 24-hours of the inspection date and payable before the quotes is sent.
Beetle & Wood Destroying Organisms
This document certifies that a property is free from wood-destroying insects, such as beetles and termites. This certificate is typically required when a property is sold, and it serves to protect the buyer from inheriting problems related to these pests. Here’s what it generally entails:
Inspection A qualified pest control professional conducts a thorough inspection of the property, focusing on wood structures and other areas susceptible to infestation.
Report The inspector provides a detailed report on the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects.
Treatment (if necessary) If any infestations are found, the property must be treated to eradicate the pests before the certificate can be issued.
Issuance of Certificate Once the property is cleared of infestations, the certificate is issued, indicating that the property complies with the relevant pest control regulations.
This certificate is often a prerequisite for finalising property transactions, ensuring that the new owner does not face unexpected repair costs due to insect damage.
Gas
This is required if the property has a gas installation (e.g. gas stoves or geysers). A Gas Certificate of Compliance (Gas CoC) is a document that certifies that a gas installation, such as gas appliances or gas piping, complies with the relevant safety standards and regulations.
Qualified Gas Practitioner The inspection and issuing of a Gas CoC must be performed by a qualified and registered gas practitioner who is accredited with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGSASA).
Inspection The gas practitioner conducts a thorough inspection of the gas installation. This includes checking gas appliances (e.g., stoves, heaters, geysers), gas cylinders, piping, and connections.
Compliance with Standards The inspection ensures that the gas installation complies with the relevant South African National Standards (SANS), particularly SANS 10087 for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations.
Safety Check The practitioner checks for any potential hazards, such as gas leaks, improper installation, ventilation issues, and ensures that safety devices like pressure regulators are properly installed and functioning.
Report If any issues are found, they must be rectified before the certificate can be issued. The practitioner will provide a detailed report of any non-compliance areas that need to be addressed.
Issuance of Certificate Once the installation is confirmed to be compliant, the gas practitioner issues the Gas Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is valid until any significant modifications or changes are made to the gas installation.
Electrical
Certifies that the electrical installation complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) and ensures the safety, legality, and insurability of a property's electrical installations. It is mandatory for all property sales and many insurance companies require an ECoC to provide coverage for properties.
Qualified Electrician The inspection and issuing of an ECoC must be performed by a qualified and registered electrician who is accredited with the Department of Labour.
Inspection The electrician conducts a thorough inspection of the property's electrical installations, including wiring, plugs, lights, distribution boards, and earth leakage systems.
Compliance with Standards The inspection ensures that all electrical installations comply with SANS 10142-1 (The Wiring of Premises).
Safety Check The electrician checks for any potential hazards, such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and other issues that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire.
Report If any issues are found, they must be rectified before the certificate can be issued. The electrician will provide a detailed report of any non-compliance areas that need to be addressed.
Issuance of Certificate Once the property is confirmed to be compliant, the electrician issues the Electrical Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is valid for two years, provided no additional electrical work is done during that time.
Plumbing
This certificate certifies that the plumbing installation meets the required standards and regulations, ensuring that the water supply, drainage, and sanitation systems are safe and compliant.
Inspection A qualified and registered plumber conducts a thorough inspection of the property's plumbing system. This includes checking the water supply, drainage, and sanitation systems.
Assessment The plumber assesses whether the installation complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) and local municipal regulations.
Report The plumber provides a detailed report outlining any issues or areas that do not comply with the standards.
Repairs (if necessary) If any non-compliant issues are found, the property owner must have them repaired or replaced to meet the required standards.
Issuance of Certificate Once the plumbing system complies with the necessary standards, the plumber issues the Certificate of Compliance.
The CoC for plumbing ensures that the property's plumbing system is safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant, protecting both the buyer and the seller in the property transaction.
Electric fence
This is required if the property has an electric fence. An Electric Fence Compliance Certificate is a document that certifies that an electric fence installation on a property complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) and relevant regulations. It certifies that the installation meets safety standards and is properly maintained. Obtaining this certificate is crucial for ensuring the safety, legality, and insurability of properties with electric fence installations.
Inspection A qualified and registered electric fence installer conducts a thorough inspection of the electric fence system. The installer must be registered with the Department of Labour.
Compliance with Standards: The inspection ensures that the electric fence complies with the relevant standards, particularly SANS 10222-3 (Electric Security Fences) and SANS 60335-2-76 (Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-76: Particular Requirements for Electric Fence Energizers).
Safety Check The inspection includes checking the fence's energizer, earthing system, warning signs, and the physical condition of the fence to ensure it is safe and functional.
Report The inspector provides a detailed report outlining any issues or areas of non-compliance. If any non-compliant aspects are found, they must be rectified before the certificate can be issued.
Issuance of Certificate Once the fence is confirmed to be compliant with the required standards, the registered installer issues the Electric Fence Compliance Certificate.