Electrical safety check in rented property.

franklee

Hi,

The letting agent just said they want to do an electrical safety check of the house I'm renting. I'm a bit surprised as the property is under ten years old and there have been no problems. Apparently my landlord wants it done but I suspect it's more the agent. Is it necessary?

I'd appreciate any information on what this involves. Will the electrician need to access all wall sockets? What about pendant light fittings? Will he he pulling out all kitchen appliances?

It sounds quite intrusive so I'm wondering how much space will need to be cleared, many sockets are blocked by furniture and pulling out kitchen appliances involves removing kick boards that are a pain to shift, especially putting them back.

Thank you for any explanations of what to expect

agrinnall

I don't know what's involved as I've never had one done, but as long as you move your belongings so that they aren't impeding access to any sockets then it'll be the responsibility of the electrician/LA/LL to get access to the rest of the circuitry, including removing and replacing anything that needs to be. It probably isn't necessary given the age of the property, and you could refuse to let them do it, but I'd rather have a LL or LA who is prepared to do more than is strictly required than one that doesn't do the things that are needed.

Werdnal

Think yourself lucky that your Landlord is concerned enough about his obligation to your safety to have a safety check done. LLs have a duty of care to ensure that the electrical circuits are safe and should get regular checks done, but many do not bother.

Why do you think it is the letting agent's idea? They may have advised the LL that it is a good precaution, but the LL is ultimately paying for the check.

As for moving equipment and furniture, I am sure the engineer is well used to working in occupied properties, and will access the sockets him/herself.

It is of course up to you whether you decide to allow access for the check, but it is for your benefit - you are a long time dead!

Geenie

Hi OP

I am not sure what you are complaining about?!

It is a safety thing and benefits you if all in working order and safe. They may need to move items in order to inspect, but I think if this is the first such inspection in 10 years, then it is long over due for a rental!

I have them done every year on my rental properties.

Geenie

agrinnall wrote: »

I don't know what's involved as I've never had one done, but as long as you move your belongings so that they aren't impeding access to any sockets then it'll be the responsibility of the electrician/LA/LL to get access to the rest of the circuitry, including removing and replacing anything that needs to be. It probably isn't necessary given the age of the property, and you could refuse to let them do it, but I'd rather have a LL or LA who is prepared to do more than is strictly required than one that doesn't do the things that are needed.

I am not sure your advice of refusing is at all sensible, especially considering it is an electrical safety inspection!

Check the facts on rental responsibility for LL's before making such a statement......and then check the threads about tenants complaining about LL's who don't fulfill their responsibilities before posting such a daft statement.

I would suggest the OP checks their AST and then post on here their worries.

Werdnal

Geenie wrote: »

I am not sure your advice of refusing is at all sensible, especially considering it is an electrical safety inspection!

Check the facts on rental responsibility for LL's before making such a statement......and then check the threads about tenants complaining about LL's who don't fulfill their responsibilities before posting such a daft statement.

I would suggest the OP checks their AST and then post on here their worries.

Tenants have a right to refuse access, regardless of what their tenancy agreement says - if you check the posts here you will see this is a subject frequently discussed. Agrinnall wasn't condoning the OP refusing access, as they went on the say as it is a safety issue they would be silly to do so. In fact I also made a similar statement in my reply.

If a LL needs access and a tenant does not agree, their only recourse is to seek a court order to force tenant to comply ... or issue notice of course.

agrinnall

Geenie wrote: »

I am not sure your advice of refusing is at all sensible, especially considering it is an electrical safety inspection!

Check the facts on rental responsibility for LL's before making such a statement......and then check the threads about tenants complaining about LL's who don't fulfill their responsibilities before posting such a daft statement.

I would suggest the OP checks their AST and then post on here their worries.

Where the F** did I advise refusing - I said that the OP could refuse (because they are entitled to not let people into their home) but I immediately followed it by saying it would be a good thing to allow. If you can't be bothered to read properly then don't post. If you'd like to edit your post to remove the accusations against me then I will delete this one.

Geenie

Werdnal wrote: »

Tenants have a right to refuse access, regardless of what their tenancy agreement says - if you check the posts here you will see this is a subject frequently discussed. Agrinnall wasn't condoning the OP refusing access, as they went on the say as it is a safety issue they would be silly to do so. In fact I also made a similar statement in my reply.

If a LL needs access and a tenant does not agree, their only recourse is to seek a court order to force tenant to comply ... or issue notice of course.

Refusing access shouldn't have been mentioned as it is a safety issue for goodness sake! An AST will state that such inspections are necessary from time to time........so there should be no surprise when one is requested if the tenant has read their AST before signing and agreeing to it.

Werdnal

Geenie wrote: »

Refusing access shouldn't have been mentioned as it is a safety issue for goodness sake! An AST will state that such inspections are necessary from time to time........so there should be no surprise when one is requested if the tenant has read their AST before signing and agreeing to it.

For balance, both sides of the argument were noted in replies by both myself and Agrinnall. I am a LL, I know my obligations and the H&S requirements of letting my property, but I also understand a tenant's rights. I agree with you that tenants should not even consider refusing access for safety inspections and repairs, but I also agree that tenants should be made aware of their rights to refuse IF the appointment is not convenient.

Geenie

agrinnall wrote: »

Where the F** did I advise refusing - I said that the OP could refuse (because they are entitled to not let people into their home) but I immediately followed it by saying it would be a good thing to allow. If you can't be bothered to read properly then don't post. If you'd like to edit your post to remove the accusations against me then I will delete this one.

Calm down. Do you know what 'could' means?

It can mean a suggestion or advice, a possibility!

Advise the tenant to read their AST.

Geenie

Werdnal wrote: »

For balance, both sides of the argument were noted in replies by both myself and Agrinnall. I am a LL, I know my obligations and the H&S requirements of letting my property, but I also understand a tenant's rights. I agree with you that tenants should not even consider refusing access for safety inspections and repairs, but I also agree that tenants should be made aware of their rights to refuse IF the appointment is not convenient.

I was assuming that correct notice had been given, so wasn't even bringing this into the equation. I give a weeks notice, and will work around even longer if convenient to the tenant and electrician. If the entry was refused after all this consideration the tenant would be served noticed, as I have never had a good tenant obstruct any upkeep to a property.