Why a property requires a Compliance Certificate in Cape Town

A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is a document that verifies that the electrical, water, gas and electric fence installations all  comply with the legislated requirements as detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety. A property requires a Compliance Certificate to demonstrate that it has passed all legal health and safety requirements. Without it you cannot effect a change of ownership and more importantly who is to say that your property is safe and not a health hazard.

The Electrical Certificate of Compliance covers the main distribution board, any sub-distribution boards, socket outlets and light switches, wiring, isolators, earthing and bonding. In terms of Regulation 7(5) of the Electrical Installation Regulations (OHS ACT of 1993), a change of ownership cannot take place unless there is a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance. For the purpose of transfer of ownership, an Electrical Certificate of Compliance older than 2 years may not be used. If any electrical work was done after the certificate was issued, a new Electrical Certificate of Compliance will be required.

A new Water Certificate of Compliance covers the Hot Water Cylinder, the water pipes, the water meter, the private isolating valve , leaks, storm water discharge and cross connections between the potable supply and any alternate supply. It needs to be issued each time a property is transferred. The City of Cape Town Water by-law 2010 – section 14(1), stipulates that before a property can be transferred, a Certificate of Compliance for the water installation needs to be issued. This came into effect on the 1 March 2011. It is a local by-law and only applies to properties sold where the City of Cape Town is the municipal authority.

There is no law that obligates a seller to provide a Beetle Free Certificate. However, it is still frequently included in property selling arrangements in the coastal provinces to protect the property purchaser from buying a property that is infested with beetles. Banks are also known to request a Beetle Certificate of Compliance in Cape Town before registration of a mortgage bond can occur – this is to protect the bond holder’s security being at risk if the property is infested with beetles.

The Gas Certificate of Compliance certifies that there are no gas leaks, the emergency shut off valves have been properly and that the gas piping, regulator and valves and gas appliance are in a safe working condition and not corroded. For gas cylinder/s installed on the exterior of a property, there are several regulations that need to be adhered to get a Gas certificate of Compliance. For a gas cylinder installed in the interior of a property (usually inside a cupboard) regulations also need to be followed. In terms of Regulation 17(3) of the Pressure Equipment Regulations (OHS ACT of 1993), a Gas Certificate of Compliance must be issued when there is a change of ownership. This came into effect on the 1st October 2009.

An Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance is required when selling a property. The regulations that govern electric fence installations are found in SANS 10222-3. These regulations are separate to those that govern the electrical wiring of premises (SANS 10142-2). Only a person accredited by the Department of Labour as an electrical fence installer may issue a C.O.C for an electric fence installation. You can prepare for this by ensuring that there is no plant growth interfering with the electrical fence. If an energiser is located outdoors it should be properly weatherproofed. The energiser will often not operate efficiently due to customary occurrences e.g. insects may pass through the board which will result in short circuits.

At Thomas Compliant we are passionate about service delivery. Our team will guide you through the inspection process and make sure you have everything you require to get your certification completed and issued. You can request an inspection or prices online. For more information on why a property requires a Compliance Certificate in Cape Town here is our contact.