There is absolutely no obligation on home owners to contract any cold calling gas inspectors to carry out work on butane gas installations even if their documentation is correct.
Homeowners are required to contract an official gas company or representative every five years to inspect and carry out maintenance work on any butane gas appliances and installations. Normal practice is for a gas inspection company to contact the local Town Hall and ask for permission to carry out inspections in the area. The local police in Calasparra have confirmed that the company operating on the Tierra del Sol have not applied for permission.
Whilst operating without official permission of the Town Hall is not illegal homeowners should be clear that they are entitled to refused entry to these gas inspectors; that they should give a full written estimate before carrying out any work; should provide a bill with IVA, and, on payment, should issue a receipt.
The gas inspectors should have the following documentation: a certificate from the company that installed the appliance or installation (so this should have the name of your supplier on the certificate), a gas fitter licence (licencia); personal ID (a national identity card with a number); and public liability insurance (certificado de seguro).
Some NEXOnr readers have reported that these gas inspectors are “very persistent” and others report that they appear to be targeting women who are alone in the house. One reader told NEXOnr: “My wife was on her own and she panicked because she thought it was the Gas Board and in the UK you have to allow the Gas Board to enter your property. They carried out some work and because she didn´t have any cash in the house they are coming back on Wednesday for their 150 euros.”
He added that the company refused to issue him with a bill until he had paid the money. This is clearly not correct practice. Correct commercial practice is for an estimate to be given before the work is carried out; for a bill to be issued showing IVA before payment; and a receipt to be issued on payment.
NEXOnr strongly advises readers to take precautions before allowing cold callers into their property, to check their documentation, to require a written estimate, not to pay for work without an official bill, to require a receipt and to report any contraventions of correct commercial practice or any harassment to the local police and the OMIC office in Calasparra.
If any reader has reason to believe these gas inspectors are not a “bona fide” company or if they feel harassed they should report their suspicions to the local police who are aware that there are gas inspectors currently operating on the Tierra de Sol.
The OMIC Office, located next to the back entrance of the Town Hall, is a consumer advice office and will be able to advise home owners on their rights and liabilities.
If readers want an inspection carried out on their gas appliances and installations they should contact their supplier who will be able to provide a list of registered inspection companies.
