Part 5 - Compliance Disclosures and Certificates
Another set of documents included in a disclosure package are provided to show that the home is in compliance with current standards for safety and conservation. These standards are defined by state and local laws and ordinances and relate specifically to water and energy conservation, as well as standards for water heater installation and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Compliance documents typically include the following:
Water Heater Safety Compliance
The seller of any property in San Francisco containing a water heater must certify in writing to a prospective buyer that the water heater has been braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal movement due to earthquake motion. The minimum standard for this security is set forth in the California Plumbing Code.
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Disclosure
The seller must provide the buyer with a written statement representing that the property is in compliance with California law regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Energy Compliance and Water Conservation Certificates
Per California law, home sellers must conduct a valid energy and water inspection, and have installed specific water and energy conservation devices and materials in order to obtain valid certificates of compliance. All of this must occur prior to transfer of title, and the seller must provide a copy of the compliance certificates to the buyer prior to title transfer.
The property owner also files the inspection forms with the San Francisco Housing Inspection Services within 15 days of completing the inspection. And, finally, the certificates of compliance must be recorded with the San Francisco County Recorder’s Office prior or concurrent with the transfer of title.
Energy compliance certificates are good for the life of the property, and water compliance certificates must be obtained for each resale. There are some exceptions based upon the age of the property.
The following items may be required for compliance for residential properties:
- Insulate accessible attic space
- Weatherstrip all doors leading from heated to unheated areas
- Insulate hot water heaters
- Caulk and seal openings in building exterior
- Insulate accessible heating and cooling ducts
- Low flush toilets and flush reducers on existing toilets
- Installation of low flow showerheads
- All plumbing leaks must be located and repaired
- Faucet and faucet aerators
Keeping You in Compliance
As part of my commitment to providing thorough, personal service, I order these inspections and ensure the certificates are filed to make the process as seamless as possible for my seller clients. And for my buyer clients, I review the disclosure package to ensure these documents are included and the property is in compliance with current safety and conservation standards.
Read Part 1 of the Series:
Seller Disclosures
Read Part 2 of the Series:
Reports
Read Part 3 of the Series:
Preliminary Title Report
Read Part 4 of the Series:
HOA Disclosures
Read Part 6 of the Series:
General & Other Disclosures
