Covid Shielding and Rewire.

[Nitram]

My Friend has an ex council house (owned privately) that has recently been tested by the Local council ( its on a council estate that all the other properties have been identified as needing refurbishment.) The electrical installation is approx 40 years old and has been identified as out of date (not condemned) by the councils electrical report (which he does not have). The council are trying to force him to rewire although his mother is shielding. Can they do this legally?

 

[Spoon]

The only reason that may need some work ( not a rewire) is if the fuse box is a wylex model that is made from wood and is now illegal ( in case of fire!)

Have I missed something? Where does it state that wood CU's are 'illegal'?

BS7671 states "Existing installations that have been installed in accordance with earlier editions of the Regulations may not comply with this edition in every respect. This does not necessarily mean that they are unsafe for continued use or require upgrading."

 

[Mike Johnson]

Have the council or their representative had access to the property to carry out an "Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report" (EICR) that is the only way they can verify the condition of the electrics in the house, if no one has been in already some chancer is trying it on, I suggest a threat of legal action for harassment may send them packing, or make an appointment to see them and ask your local community police officer to be present.

 

[Nitram]

Have the council or their representative had access to the property to carry out an "Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report" (EICR) that is the only way they can verify the condition of the electrics in the house, if no one has been in already some chancer is trying it on, I suggest a threat of legal action for harassment may send them packing, or make an appointment to see them and ask your local community police officer to be present.

Yes access for the council operatives was granted and EICR carried out before covid lockdown... no chancers involved - my mate is chasing up the EICR as we speak - I will post any other relevant info asap ....
FYI I am a sparky so understand regs... (mostly..)

 

[Zerax]

I have a sneaking suspicion that your "friend" has not actually purchased the property at all... he's just told you that. He's sub-let the property to his mother... which may explain why he's told you and his mother that it's not council owned anymore.

This would be the most logical explanation, nothing else makes any sense.

 

[Mike Johnson]

If they where not chancers they should have left a copy of the EICR with the user.

 

[Nitram]

I have a sneaking suspicion that your "friend" has not actually purchased the property at all... he's just told you that. He's sub-let the property to his mother... which may explain why he's told you and his mother that it's not council owned anymore.

This would be the most logical explanation, nothing else makes any sense.

No

 

[Mike Johnson]

I have a sneaking suspicion that your "friend" has not actually purchased the property at all... he's just told you that. He's sub-let the property to his mother... which may explain why he's told you and his mother that it's not council owned anymore.

This would be the most logical explanation, nothing else makes any sense.

If that where the case and the hose is still owned by the Council it is their responsibility to ensure the electrics are up to standard and carry out the work without charge, which we are told is not the case, which all seems a bit strange, perhaps it's the shielding that is making access difficult and we all have the wrong end of the stick.

 

[Nitram]

If they where not chancers they should have left a copy of the EICR with the user.

I appreciate the help guys - my mate has no reason to make s**t up.
Yes I understand the report SHOULD have been presented - that is why I first said to him ... "get hold of this report..."

 

[Nitram]

If that where the case and the hose is still owned by the Council it is their responsibility to ensure the electrics are up to standard and carry out the work without charge, which we are told is not the case, which all seems a bit strange, perhaps it's the shielding that is making access difficult and we all have the wrong end of the stick.

The access is most definitely the point here - I am trying to find out how a council can demand access and threaten legal action to carry out work in the privately owned property of someone who is shielding...

 

[Mike Johnson]

Are you absolutely sure that a copy of the report was not given to your friends Mother, I don't think any electrician would leave the premises without giving one to the occupier or informing them it will be in the post the next day, I would ring the council and ask for a copy.

 

[Nitram]

Are you absolutely sure that a copy of the report was not given to your friends Mother, I don't think any electrician would leave the premises without giving one to the occupier or informing them it will be in the post the next day, I would ring the council and ask for a copy.

Yes Mike - Thanks... hes on it as we speak....

 

[Nitram]

I have a sneaking suspicion that your "friend" has not actually purchased the property at all... he's just told you that.

What? He did not say that at all - dont know where you got that from

 

[James]

I have a sneaking suspicion that your "friend" has not actually purchased the property at all... he's just told you that. He's sub-let the property to his mother... which may explain why he's told you and his mother that it's not council owned anymore.

This would be the most logical explanation, nothing else makes any sense.

I don’t think this post is helpful in any way.

I Suggest you keep similar unfounded accusations to yourself in future.

 

[Rockingit]

Yes access for the council operatives was granted and EICR carried out before covid lockdown... no chancers involved - my mate is chasing up the EICR as we speak - I will post any other relevant info asap ....
FYI I am a sparky so understand regs... (mostly..)

Why was access granted?! I think I can make a prediction here...... older person lets in an 'inspector from the council' in good faith and ignorance, inspector doesn't know any different as 'doing all of them up this row...', jobby at Council has a stack of reports also from 'that row' and assumes they therefore all need doing.

 

[Nitram]

Why was access granted?! I think I can make a prediction here...... older person lets in an 'inspector from the council' in good faith and ignorance, inspector doesn't know any different as 'doing all of them up this row...', jobby at Council has a stack of reports also from 'that row' and assumes they therefore all need doing.

I can't answer that question.. but your prediction sounds incredibly accurate.... but why would they threaten legal action.. I think you are right and if it should ever make it as far as court it will be thrown out summarily by the Judge... I am only trying to save him the costs of the solicitor who is already trying to find resolution... and give some peace of mind to a vulnerable old lady and her son...