EICR Change of occupancy

[Mike Johnson]

I agree, it could definitely be a problem for a landlord if the tenants change often. Not sure the best way round it really. A full EICR every time would work out expensive.

The problem, as we know, tenants fiddle with the electrics, if this is not checked on the change of tenancy the landlord will be liable if an accident happens to the new tenant due to a modification by the previous tenant.

 

[Pauls0212]

if an old tennant has changed some switch fronts or plug sockets... and not done a good job of it, then surely as a landlord you would at least perform a visual check, but preferably get someone in to check any work the tennant was not allowed to do. Hence the reason for change of tenancy, rather than rent it out with dodgy switches which the letting agent may know nothing about.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I was thinking of more serious changes i.e. putting in an external socket without RCD protection and the new tenant is electrocuted whilst cutting the lawn, or putting in an electric shower etc:

 

[GBDamo]

I was thinking of more serious changes i.e. putting in an external socket without RCD protection and the new tenant is electrocuted whilst cutting the lawn, or putting in an electric shower etc:

Exactly, and let's not forget landlords are running a commercial enterprise offering a product that must be safe. Despite how they often kid themselves they're accidental or amature if your you're taken money for something then you have a duty of care and most importantly have to be able to demonstrate how they have discharged their duty.

if an old tennant has changed some switch fronts or plug sockets... and not done a good job of it, then surely as a landlord you would at least perform a visual check, but preferably get someone in to check any work the tennant was not allowed to do. Hence the reason for change of tenancy, rather than rent it out with dodgy switches which the letting agent may know nothing about.

I was thinking of a tamper seal process where an electrician can apply tamper seals above patress screws, across DBs etc..

If the seals are in place then a cursory once over on change of tannancy and a full EICR every 5 yrs.

If the seals are broken on change of tenancy then the tennant is liable for a full EICR.

Might work?

 

[DPG]

The problem, as we know, tenants fiddle with the electrics, if this is not checked on the change of tenancy the landlord will be liable if an accident happens to the new tenant due to a modification by the previous tenant.

Agree, this can happen. And a visual check should be done on change of tennancy.

 

[suffolkspark]

I have 1 landlord that gets me to check on change of tennant, but i also work for several landlords that don't get the places eicrd at all. Seems the ones that don't have agents didn't get the memo!

 

[Michaelwgroves]

This is a good article, clears up any discrepancies on ‘change of occupancy’

Electrical Safety Checks: does changing tenants affect an EICR? | NRLA

In June 2020, the Government made it mandatory for landlords in England to have the electrical installations in their property tested by a qualified and competent person at regular intervals. Senior policy officer James Wood looks at whether changing tenants affects an EICR.

www.nrla.org.uk

Let’s hope it appears in Amendment 2, although I doubt it…….And this assumes the IET agree. Surly the IET should get the final say

 

[Pretty Mouth]

This is a good article, clears up any discrepancies on ‘change of occupancy’

Electrical Safety Checks: does changing tenants affect an EICR? | NRLA

In June 2020, the Government made it mandatory for landlords in England to have the electrical installations in their property tested by a qualified and competent person at regular intervals. Senior policy officer James Wood looks at whether changing tenants affects an EICR.

www.nrla.org.uk

Let’s hope it appears in Amendment 2, although I doubt it…….And this assumes the IET agree. Surly the IET should get the final sa

Good article, but you're over thinking this. If the IET disagreed, then it would be regulation.

BS7671 652 Frequency of periodic inspection and testing, basically tells us to use our judgement. No more than that. The legislation tells us maximum 5 years. That is all you need to know.

 

[i=p/u]

I agree, it could definitely be a problem for a landlord if the tenants change often. Not sure the best way round it really. A full EICR every time would work out expensive.

Not if he had maintanece regime in place.. all social housing is tested if thers a change of tenancy, but it's a two hour safety check.. think key here is use same electrician with a record of checks being done.. why wouldn't ya want spark to check over if new tenants coming in.

 

[Mike Johnson]

@i=p/u Off the cuff remark, I have not read the article or the whole thread, Don't think its so much the new tenant coming in, rather what the old tenant may have done to the installation that the landlord is responsible for, without a new EICR to check nothing untoward had been done.

 

[i=p/u]

Yeah owner has duties to maintain and let safe environment. All these landlords looking away of not dealing with their responsibilities.

 

[snowhead]

why wouldn't ya want spark to check over if new tenants coming in.

If that's neccessary at change of tennancy then so is a Gas Safety check, general plumbing check, full structural survey of the building, including gardens, paths, driveways.
Analysis of potential bacteria in the carpet and plenty more things that MAY be hazardous or a danger to a new tennant.

 

[i=p/u]

What is the law, it says in most books, every installation shall be maintained to not give rise to danger. Only way todo this or do everything reasonably practical is by having it tested.

 

[Mike Johnson]

It would seems sensible to re-test on change of tenancy, just in case the previous tenant has done something untoward, if I remember correctly we had to have a gas check at least once a year, or was that due to change of the twelve month tenancy contract?

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Gas checks for rentals are every 12 months, presumably because gas appliances can deteriorate relatively quickly and the risk posed is considered too great. Electrical systems generally do not deteriorate that quickly. Correctly installed and un-molested, they will last for decades (perhaps with the exception of some outdoor equipment), and often fail safe.

It is possible for tenants to meddle with the electrics, but generally tenancy agreements prohibit this, and anyway it would become apparent with the periodic inspections that landlords make during the tenancy.

I presume anyone here advocating EICRs on change of tenancy are home owners, yes? And so you are not subject to the already ridiculously high costs of being too poor to own your home. The cost of all these checks ultimately filters down to the renter. The dangers posed by increasing these costs (ie homelessness) far out weigh the miniscule increase in safety by having EICRs at the end of each tenancy.