Landlord electricity checks

maxiscot

Hi _ I am thinking about renting out my house. How much can I expect to pay for an electrician to come round and sign off on the electrics? It is a 2 bed house in south east london - the cooker and central heating is gas so really only looking at the oven, lights and plugs I suppose. TIA

roger56

It depends on how old the electrics are. At best, they will be OK.
At worst, they could be very old and need rewiring.
How old is the house?
Is the consumer unit modern looking - see here on how to identify:
http://www.niceic.org.uk/consumers/fusebox.html

I suggest you consider getting a periodic inspection report as you intend to rent - make sure the electrician is qualified to do this. Here is some useful info about this:
http://www.niceic.org.uk/consumers/pir.html

You'll also need a gas certificate yearly for renting.

DampProof

I recently had my 3 Bed tested to NICEIC standard. This is recognised by councils and is a requirement with most. Visit https://www.niceic.com for details of an approved contractor in your area.
Cost ! Well... that depends on what he/she finds. Suggest you get a few quotes first and or recommendations.
Quotes for a test ranged from £95 - £150 plus cost of any work necessary to past certification..

In my case total came to £780.00 :eek:

Good Luck

roger56

Also, as you are thinking of renting, have a read here:
http://www.arla.co.uk/info/landlords.htm

This may also be of help:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/TaxOnPropertyAndRentalIncome/DG_10013376
the above page also has other useful links.

edthedead

I don't think an electical safety check is a legal requirement like the gas check... i certainly haven't got an electrical safety certificate for my buy to let and the letting agent have never asked to see one.

roger56

edthedead wrote:

I don't think an electical safety check is a legal requirement like the gas check... i certainly haven't got an electrical safety certificate for my buy to let and the letting agent have never asked to see one.

The landlord has legal obligations and responsibilities - electrics are one of those. You may wish to read this before ignoring electrical safety checks:
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/electrical_safety.htm

Of course, the risk is up to you - is it worth it?
Ignoring it doesn't make it right. Due diligence applies.

baldelectrician

It is not MANDATORY for a landlord to get electrical checks.

Although if something untoward were to happen the landlord could end up in court - even for manslaughter

But on a more realistic note it would be a better scenario for a landlord to get an electrical check using someone who is competent.

You should use a competent person for the work, links below

In Scotland:
Individuals regitered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2

In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk

edthedead

Maybe I should have said in my post that I did get the electrics checked, but did not get a certificate like I did with the gas... I was not saying that the electrics should not be checked!

maxiscot

thanks everyone - the agent I am looking to go through insists on gas and electric certs before being advertised - I suppose it protects everyone

baldelectrician

A full check (including appliances) should be around the £150 mark.

As mentioned earlier, use a registered electrician.

ps If you live in Scotland you need to register as a landlord. Contact your local council for more information.

maxiscot

I have one of those british gas home electric plans - I guess I could get them to come out and do a check and they could tell me if anything needs to be done