rented accomadation

[Doomed]

Could someone link to the regulations about having a wiring inspection at change of tenancy for rented accomadation, and also the regulations on mains powered smoke alarms in a rented tenacy.

Many thanks.

 

[acvc]

Hi Doomed

As far as I know the 'Frequency of Inspection' Regs are only provided Guidance Note 3. Looking at it now it's on page 63, Table 3.2, and it's pretty comprehensive. As for the fire alarm circuits, I've found out the most info from downloading parts of BS5839. But OSG 7.5.2 tells you what you want about Part B of the Building Regs.

All the Best
acvc

 

[SPARKER]

Hi chaps,

I get this situation alot. Many landlords phone our office and ask if 'they can have an electrical certificate done?'

I have spoke to ELECSA about how it stands with certification for rented properties and there is no legal document required however it is advised to do so. Unless it is required by their insurance!! So I advise all my landlords to have it inspected everytime tenancy changes hands and everybody I work with seems to be happy with this arrangement.

Hope that helps or if I dont know something, please let me know......

Sy.

 

[baldsparkies]

This is usefull reading on the subject Doomed, remember that in a lot of cases rented property is effectively a business (with referance to landlords premises) and as such would be classed as a commercial premises instead of domestic,
Hope that helps.


http://www.nlcc.co.uk/?page=2946

 

[Spudnik]

The landlord of rented accommodation has an obligation with regards to 'duty of care'.

In other words, if he fails to maintain a safe place to live then should anything happen to a tenant, then he can be prosecuted.

 

[Doomed]

As I thought, all the nice ideas and guidelines are there, but if the landlord wants to he can spend as little as he likes and get away with it unless something drastic happens to his tenant, and by then it is too late for the tenant.
For this reason the tenant ends up footing the bill. (unless it is a house of multiple occupancy and then the rules change).

My query is because a mate I work with is moving to a new rented place with no smoke alarms and some 'dodgy' looking light fittings (his phrase, not mine - I have not seen the place).

I have found that the landlord does have to supply a carbon monoxide detector!

 

[baldsparkies]

If there are any statutory regulations they will come under the electricity at works act. BS7671 are not legally binding although the regulations can be used for guidance purposes in a court of law.
As Jason pointed out Lanlords are duty bound to ensure tennant safety issues are met where practicable. Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, PAT testing of supplied electrical equipment ect, would all come underthe duty of care, responsibilities of a landlord.

Also he might not have to supply a carbon monoxide detector but he is duty bound to ensure that any gas appliances carry a gas safe (Use to be CORGI) certificate. With gas that is law.

 

[saveloy]

As I thought, all the nice ideas and guidelines are there, but if the landlord wants to he can spend as little as he likes and get away with it unless something drastic happens to his tenant, and by then it is too late for the tenant.
For this reason the tenant ends up footing the bill. (unless it is a house of multiple occupancy and then the rules change).

My query is because a mate I work with is moving to a new rented place with no smoke alarms and some 'dodgy' looking light fittings (his phrase, not mine - I have not seen the place).

I have found that the landlord does have to supply a carbon monoxide detector!

The rented place that I moved out of recently was a mess with regards to the wiring. The kitchen had sockets on 3 different circuits, the shower was wired via an rcd shower pack but not via the meter, and there was an earth fault in the kitchen that put 100volts through the casing of the dishwasher!

My landlord was a greedy scumbag who just sent round his "handyman" who wired an earth cable from one circuit to the the unearthed circuit! We moved out about 4 months after that.

Landlords do not have to do sweet FA with regards electrical, and because most landlords are tightfisted stinge bags the situation will never improve until legislation is brought in.

 

[Lou7]

The frequency of inspection in GN3 is only a guide,and only really applies to the time from installation to the first periodic, after that it's up to the spark doing the periodic, use your own judgement ,if the place is well maintained you may set a longer period between tests.

 

[cambria]

Change of occupancy is quoted in GN3 page 63 as a reason for inspection and testing but as said earlier these are only guides. They cloud the issue a bit by stating on page 62 of GN3 ""change of occupancey of the premises may necessitate additional inspecting and testing" I woud have said it is a must as how does the landlord know what the previous tenant has been uo to.