PIR - retest frequency??

[Octopus]

Went to see a job today, the houses are let to students and the owner believes he can do a PIR every 5 years. Given that the "average" student stays about 6 months and there are 4 students per house I said that a retest should be considered yearly. A quick look around told me everything about how "untidy" students live these days!

Apparently the previous sparky was charging £50.00 per (3 bed semi with 5 or 6 circuits) - all cash in hand no invoices etc etc!



What are your thoughts?

In the event I turned the work down as I felt it could be a lot of hassle than it would be worth.

 

[Draig Coch]

You might want to check the if the local authority to see if they have any guidelines in place.

You see some Student accommodation falls under the Radar for the application of a HMO regs (house in multiple occupancy) see here for the criteria HMrg.uk - HMO licensing But I've also seen this definition Home Page of Cardiff Council

If you are a Landlord of student accommodation depending on the Local Authority and their application of the definitions above will determine if its an annual check or not.

 

[ipf]

think all equipment fitted should be IP68 anyway, as with students, the place needs steam cleaning evey 12 months

Good idea, before we do the PIR.

 

[Blowcat]

Assuming you got full access in the house its only 5 or 6 circuits, I would expect to be out that house in 90 minutes, 2 hours maximum and then spend 30 minutes at the end of the day writing up the cert neatly away from a greasy house.
Thats doing a true Ze, Rings, R1 & R2 on every socket and circuit, Insulation test on every circuit, all Zs including every socket as you should, RCD test if fitted. Have a look in the roof too.