Landlord suddenly wants EPC test and electrical safety test

woeestme

Hi, I'm a long term tenant and my landlord is one of those types who's been an absolute pain in the *** when it comes to fixing problems in the property.  Leaks and repairs have taken months/years to get resolved ordinarily.  Now, suddenly, the landlord wants to update electric safety and have an EPC survey done.

The reason I'm wondering is that a while ago the landlord said she was thinking of possibly selling the property.  So, I'm wondering if a condition of sale would be updated checks on the aforementioned.  I'm not sure but it is suspicious.

user1977

They'd need a current EPC to sell. They wouldn't need an electrical test (though it might help, especially if they're selling to another landlord).

Grumpy_chap

Depending how long you have been there, isn't a valid EPC required before the LL can serve an S21?
Were you ever issued with an EPC for the property?
They may be thinking to get the EPC so that they can then issue it to you then serve S21 ahead of selling as vacant possession.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/section_21_eviction/how_to_check_a_section_21_notice_is_valid

MaryNB

By law she should have done an EICR (electrical installation condition report) by April of this year, but that requirement is to do with your tenancy. 

moneysavinghero

Legally they have to have an EICR test done (should have been done by April) and also a EPC. So they could just be finally getting their act together and getting these done because they want to be a law abiding landlord.

Or they could be wanting everything to be in order because they want to issue you with a section 21 notice to leave and know that it will be harder to get you out if they have not been compliant with the law.

AdrianC

A current EICR became a legal requirement for all tenancies earlier this year, so nothing suspicious there. No EICR is needed to sell, though.

theartfullodger

He wants to evict so he needs paperwork in order to mean s21 will be valid.

Assuming he is the sort of landlord you describe him as.....

In your shoes I'd write (yes, write!) to landlord, copy agent, keep copy, with a calm polite letter noting required repairs and then politely decline to permit EPC & elect cert until repairs done.  Then see how long you can keep saying no.

Artful: Landlord since 2000.

Jenni_D

Is a tenant lawfully allowed to prevent a landlord complying with their legal obligations?

/devil's advocate

[Deleted User]

And here we are again. The same folk who complain about landlords breaching safety regs, advising tenants how to scupper the checks.

woeestme

Landlord hasn't stated a gas safety check should be done, which, as far as I know, has to be done yearly.

woeestme

Jenni_D said:

Is a tenant lawfully allowed to prevent a landlord complying with their legal obligations?

/devil's advocate

Is a landlord legally allowed to lie and delay repairs to a property and not comply with their legal obligations?  All of this as a bullying tactic to force me out of the property with a view to doubling the rent.

Ans: Yes, landlords and the rent seeking class are allowed to extort extort extort to the point where people are forced into homelessness and there are no consequences.  In the meantime, the population continues to increase during a pandemic?