Who pays for compliance certificates, buyer or seller?

Compliance certificates confirm your property meets safety standards. They are required before transfer, but who pays, and for which certificates?

Default position: seller pays

Unless the OTP states otherwise, the seller arranges and pays for all compliance certificates. This includes:

• Electrical COC, valid 2 years, covers all electrical installations
• Plumbing certificate, required in many KZN municipalities
• Beetle certificate, wood-destroying insects in accessible timber
• Gas certificate, if gas appliances are installed
• Electric fence certificate, if electric fencing is present

Timing matters

Order certificates early enough to avoid transfer delays, but not so early they expire before registration. Electrical COCs are valid for 2 years; beetle certificates typically 3–6 months. If transfer delays, you may need re-certification at additional cost.

Certificate failures

If a property fails inspection, the seller must rectify and re-inspect. Common failures: non-compliant DB boards, gas leaks, beetle infestation, electric fence energizer issues. Budget R5,000–R30,000 for rectification depending on the issue.

Related: Compliance Certificates Guide · What Certificates Are Needed?