Advice wanted on electrical inspection in rented House

lazer

I got a letter from the letting agents for my house

They have arranged an Electrical Safety Inspection to take place on Wednesday 15th Sept

I'm the only tenent of the flat and I work full time so won't be able to be here

Any suggestions what i can do?

I don't feel comfortable letting someone in to do work when i'm not here!

poppysarah

Ask a friend or relative to be there.

lazer

poppysarah wrote: »

Ask a friend or relative to be there.

Any of my friends and relatives that live nearby also work full time so not an option

poppysarah

Well if no one can take the time off work you could ask nicely if it could be rearranged for when you're there.
But if it's booked that may incur a charge for the LL.

hbklea

dont think u have any choice, they've given u enough written notice so they can legally come round and open up for the electrical inspection. maybe u could ring them and say its not convienient but i doubt you'll have much luck, as they would have rung u to arrange it in the first place. only other way is maybe take some time off work, but i know u dont want to use your hols for something like this. maybe ask a friend or relative to be in the property while its been done. its the unfortunate part of renting, me and my gf receive a letter every 6 months of an inspection, and they come and do it whether we're in or not. joys of renting.

clutton_2

wouldn't you rather have a landlord who cares enough about your safety to conduct an electrical inspection - which is NOT a legal requirement - than be worried about your future electrical safety ?

Why not ask the LL if he can be there instead of you ..

if he can't... and you refuse the inspection and there is a fire... what do you think any insurers will say about any claim you make ?

lazer

clutton wrote: »

wouldn't you rather have a landlord who cares enough about your safety to conduct an electrical inspection - which is NOT a legal requirement - than be worried about your future electrical safety ?

Why not ask the LL if he can be there instead of you ..

if he can't... and you refuse the inspection and there is a fire... what do you think any insurers will say about any claim you make ?

I am happy to have the inspection done.

I wasn't saying it should not be done, i was only asking for advice on how to go about it

I am going to phone the Letting Agent on Monday to get it rearranged ad it simply does not suit me at such short notice. I wold be unable to organise a day off or to arrange for someone else to be here

G_M

hbklea wrote: »

dont think u have any choice, they've given u enough written notice so they can legally come round and open up for the electrical inspection..

This comes up SOOooo regularly. NOOoo! You do have a choice.

Whatever your contract says you have a right to 'quiet enjoyment' of your tenancy. That means privacy and no unwanted visits.

So you CAN refuse access (if you choose to do this, do it in writing).

however it make far more sense to try to accommodate this inspection, which is for your safety and benefit.

But you can insist on being present, and you can insist on a mutually acceptable date/time.

Again, put your concerns in writing so there is a record. Write back politely and say that you are grateful for the inspection being arranged but
a)you are unhappy about a visit in your absence,
b)you are unable to make it on Wednesday 15th Sept
c) could the agent kindly call you on 01234 123123 to arrange an alternative, mutually agreeable time for the inspection

clutton_2

landlords have a duty to repair their property..... without tenants cooperation they cannot do that.... other than go to court.....

if, in the future, i ever have to go to court to access my properties for repairs issues, i will then issue a Section 21 at the earliest opportunity - as repairs are for the benefit of BOTH parties and need both parties to cooperate...... if a tenant refuses to cooperate that puts a LL at risk of breaking the law - and why would a LL choose to remain in that situation without getting rid of such a tenant.....

talk to your landlord and make a mutually convenient appointment....

Ankatden

clutton wrote: »

landlords have a duty to repair their property..... without tenants cooperation they cannot do that.... other than go to court.....

if, in the future, i ever have to go to court to access my properties for repairs issues, i will then issue a Section 21 at the earliest opportunity - as repairs are for the benefit of BOTH parties and need both parties to cooperate...... if a tenant refuses to cooperate that puts a LL at risk of breaking the law - and why would a LL choose to remain in that situation without getting rid of such a tenant.....

talk to your landlord and make a mutually convenient appointment....

Fully agree and would do the same.

tbs624

clutton wrote: »

landlords have a duty to repair their property..... without tenants cooperation they cannot do that.... other than go to court.....

if, in the future, i ever have to go to court to access my properties for repairs issues, i will then issue a Section 21 at the earliest opportunity - as repairs are for the benefit of BOTH parties and need both parties to cooperate...... if a tenant refuses to cooperate that puts a LL at risk of breaking the law - and why would a LL choose to remain in that situation without getting rid of such a tenant.....

talk to your landlord and make a mutually convenient appointment....

Let's not jump too far ahead - I can't see anywhere on this thread that the OP has said that they are refusing access, point blank. The vast majority of Ts recognise that things like gas and elec safety inspections are important & simply want that mutually convenient date/time.

Some LLs fail to act as if their T's needs/work commitments etc should be taken into consideration . For the vast majority of Ts all these letters need is a extra sentence which reads "if this date is difficult for you please let us have a couple of alternative suggestions" and there'd be less of an issue.

A LL knows when they need to have inspections so could give a T plenty of warning. Both LL and T should know when gas safety certs expire so should be able to arrange a date that suits fairly easily.

It's all about balance and being reasonable - for both parties.