Whether they are a tenant or owner of the property, the person residing in accommodation with a fireplace has the obligation to ensure that the flue is swept. On the other hand, chimney maintenance is not limited to this single task. In order to guarantee the safety of future owners, complete maintenance of the chimney must also be carried out in the event of a real estate sale. Be careful, because the rules to follow may vary depending on the decrees in force. Explanations.
What does the law say about chimney sweeping?
As such, there is no national text stipulating that chimney sweeping is obligatory if the property is put up for sale. However, this detail may appear in municipal or prefectural ordinances. It is therefore preferable to find out in advance to best comply with the texts in force.
Is the chimney sweep certificate mandatory for the sales file?
To validate the sale, this document is mandatory. In order to obtain it, owners must call on a certified professional chimney sweep. The certificate is given at the end of the duct cleaning and includes several practical information for buyers. Among other things, potential anomalies identified are mentioned. The document also attests to “the emptiness of the conduit over its entire length“.
What does the seller risk if he does not sweep his chimney before the sale or does not present a certificate?
Be vigilant, because the absence of a certificate or chimney sweep may be grounds for cancellation of the sale for the future buyer. Furthermore, this failure can lead to a renegotiation of the price of the property. Indeed, this can intrigue the future buyer who may see a lack of maintenance and potential additional costs.