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A landlord who failed to produce annual gas safety certificates as she ignored warnings from the City Council, has left court with a bill for nearly £1,500

Should I put my home up for sale before I start searching for a new one?

As an Estate Agent in Sunderland this is one of the most common questions I get asked. Much like the classic chicken-and-egg puzzle, it can be tricky to decide where to start when planning a property sale. So, here’s some guidance to help make things clearer and smoother.


Be ready to act quickly when you find a home you love

It’s rare for sellers to accept offers from buyers who still need to sell their own property and haven’t started the process. Listing your home signals that you’re serious about moving, making sellers more willing to consider your offer once you secure a buyer.


Practical Steps – Getting ready to move

If you’re considering a move, your first step should be to arrange a professional valuation of your current property. Knowing your home’s market value will help you organise your finances and plan your budget for your next purchase. 


1.     Professional Valuation – Know what your property is worth
2.     Financial Advice – speak with a mortgage advisor or your current lender who can help you explore the best options for your financial situation.
3.     Research thoroughly before listing — Think about the areas you’d like to move to, and what kind of property you’re looking for. 
4.     Keep an eye on the market — If you’re serious about moving, stay alert for new listings so you don’t miss your ideal home. 

5.     Get your paperwork organised — If you secure a sale before finding your next home, make sure your documents and admin are in good order. Instruct a reputable solicitor, get financial advice early.
6.     Seek mortgage pre-approval — If you need to port your mortgage or gain additional lending, it’s wise to get pre-approved. This not only saves time later but makes you a stronger buyer in the eyes of sellers.
7.     Be proactive in your search – By staying proactive in your search for a new home, you’ll avoid delays that could make your buyers nervous or cause them to lose confidence—and potentially risk losing them altogether.


Once your property is on the market—or even better, under offer—you’re in a much stronger position when it comes to viewing and offering on new homes. Estate agents and sellers are far more likely to take your interest seriously if you’re already on the market or have a sale agreed. You’ll often be given priority for viewings, especially on properties attracting high demand.


When you’re ready to make an offer, being under offer yourself means you can proceed more quickly and negotiate with greater confidence. Sellers are far more likely to accept offers from buyers who have already sold or are close to doing so, rather than from those who still need to list their own property
Curious about your home’s value? Looking for an Estate Agent in Sunderland? Book a free, no-obligation property valuation with us today.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard how Tracey Robinson of West Farm, Cold Hesledon, Seaham, had under the Housing Act 2004 breached her duties as the landlord of a terraced house in Sorley Street, Sunderland, when she failed to produce the gas safety certificate and other documents.

She was ordered to pay court costs of £1,236.86, a fine of £180 and a £72 victim surcharge.

Ms Robinson had pleaded not guilty and the case went to trial. She said in her defence that she had moved house and had not received mail sent to her and she thought she had complied either through her gas engineer or by emailing the Health and Safety Executive her details.

The court found against her and heard how in June 2022 the City Council received a complaint from Ms Robinson’s Sorley Street tenant after a gas leak led to the supply being cut-off with no heating or hot water in the property. A gas engineer also reported that he would be unable to repair corroded gas pipes until plumbing work was finished and how the gas boiler’s flue was sealed with builder’s foam.

In July 2022 the City Council served a legal notice to Ms Robinson as landlord and this was hand posted at her home address. This notice required gas repairs to be done and a gas safety record to be produced to Sunderland City Council.

Under legislation, landlords are required to have a Gas Safety Certificate and an annual inspection of any gas appliance they provide to their rental property.

A further visit to the property by the council officer confirmed that repairs had been completed. The council continued making requests for information and the gas safety certificate during summer and autumn 2022. A legal caution was served in December 2022 and as there was no reply the council then began proceedings against Ms Robinson.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree said: “Owning property and being a landlord brings with it important legal and health and safety responsibilities that must be met. These are especially important when it comes to gas safety and utility regulations. Failing to meet these responsibilities can have consequences.”

If tenants smell gas or are worried about gas safety they should call the national Gas Emergency line on 0800111999. It can give safety advice and may send out a Northern Gas Networks engineer to complete checks.

The case was heard on Wednesday 21 February 2024.

Source direct from Source: Sunderland.gov