Self policing EICR cowboys

[richardg]

I have picked up 2 contracts in the last week to fix remedial work reported on a EICR.

After an initial discussion with the landlords I requested a copy of the EICR to see what had been reported.

In both cases the reports looked wrong, with tests missing and generally no added detail.
After reading the reports I spoke to the tenants and both of them stated the ‘electrician’ was in the property for around 30mins. My standard testing time is 4-8 hours depending on the condition.

After visiting the properties I was literally ‘shocked’ at the sheer incompetence shown. Both properties had sockets with reversed polarity - meaning no R1+R2 reading were possible(he hadn’t removed any sockets covers),I found there was no earthing to lighting circuits - guess what - there was a R1+R2 readings.

At what point do we report these companies - who do we report them to? are they even using licensed electricians?

I’m speaking to the letting agents tomorrow and feel so ********* I’m going to call this ‘family business’ and professional give them what’s for.

Any advice in next steps?

 

[Baddegg]

Letting agents won’t care as they are getting a cut of the profit....scheme won’t care either as again it’s income for them and reports are at the testers discretion...all we can do is do our job properly and wait till the shtf ?

 

[Dustydazzler]

I wouldn't lose any sleep over a bodged EICR , we all know there are dozens of these 15 min drive-by reports going on every single day.
Until we have one safety register which actually holds its members to account then the race will always be to the bottom and these money grabbing scams will do nothing but cash cheques without any questions asked

 

[polaroid]

I'd report it to all involved and the scheme. Makes you look professional and like you give a ----. Not all agents are not going to care, some will have a conscience and maybe give you more work - you'll probably be able to tell if they care the first time you mention it. Also if nothing gets reported to schemes then they're not going to know there is a problem should they want to address it. If someone dies from a install with a shoddy EICR than turned out to be fudged by someone who had been reported serveral times for that exact thing... I'd like to think an investigation would pick it up.

Yes it is demoralising and easy just to ignore it but I know I'd be doing my bit... things have a better chance of improving if people change their attitudes to this.

I'm not qualified yet but that's just my two cents...

 

[Teddy Lop]

Seen loads of it, schedules that don't even marry up with the CU etc etc

Then the scheme guy who audits me seems utterly ---- retentive and picks me up on the stupidest things. Seems to be two completely different worlds.

Mind, I'm not sure scheme membership is even a reqiurement for these rental EICRs, I'm sure some letting agents and landlords would print their own if someone told them how.

 

[richardg]

I'd report it to all involved and the scheme. Makes you look professional and like you give a ----. Not all agents are not going to care, some will have a conscience and maybe give you more work - you'll probably be able to tell if they care the first time you mention it. Also if nothing gets reported to schemes then they're not going to know there is a problem should they want to address it. If someone dies from a install with a shoddy EICR than turned out to be fudged by someone who had been reported serveral times for that exact thing... I'd like to think an investigation would pick it up.

Yes it is demoralising and easy just to ignore it but I know I'd be doing my bit... things have a better chance of improving if people change their attitudes to this.

I'm not qualified yet but that's just my two cents...

Over the years I’ve seen many bad EICR - just seems like it’s becoming more prevalent recently and true cowboys are moving into the space. When you finally get your qualifications you need to shell out for Public Liability and professional indemnity insurance for testing on top of the mega fees Napit charge.
It’s not a cheap business following the regs but at least ‘you know’ you have done it right.
Will let you know how the chat goes tomorrow

 

[Soi disant]

Report it to the council. Inform them that the landlord is in contravention of 3 (1) (a) and (b) of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

(b) in that he has not had the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person, and
(a) because as a result of (b) there are problems where the electrical safety standards are not met but which have not been found.

 

[richardg]

Report it to the council. Inform them that the landlord is in contravention of 3 (1) (a) and (b) of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

(b) in that he has not had the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person, and
(a) because as a result of (b) there are problems where the electrical safety standards are not met but which have not been found.

To be fair the landlord arranged this through his agents who hired a company to attend. He was quoted for the ‘repairs’ and even as a non electrican smelt something fishy.
He contacted me after looking for somebody who was qualified and insured and able to give him an honest assessment.

 

[Soi disant]

Is he going to give his agents a roasting for engaging someone incompetent and putting him at risk of being in breach of the law?

 

[Zerax]

Until we have one safety register which actually holds its members to account then the race will always be to the bottom and these money grabbing scams will do nothing but cash cheques without any questions asked

That kinda happens with Gas already... but again, there's no holding to account for poor/shoddy work. If anything goes seriously wrong, it's the HSE that use the stick to beat them with.