Landlord group pushes for publication of new MEES rules
3 years ago | 3 comments
Conforming with regulations?
9:24 AM, 21st November 2022, 3 years ago
22
Hello, I have 2 questions about the practical approach to meeting regulations.
I have just requested an electrical safety check which the property has failed with a number of C2 faults. I have asked for an estimate for rectifying the faults which the electrician is preparing, but he has said that he can’t do the work until the new year.
That leaves me in breach of the law as the faults should be rectified within 28 days.
Chatting informally to another electrician he said they don’t like checking each other’s work and if he was to take it on he would have to start again with all checks.
Any advice please?
2nd question. If major repairs are necessary, maybe hypothetically electrical or maybe mould (we don’t have any), can this be grounds for a landlord to evict a tenant in order to carry out the work.
If not, how are we supposed to get it done?
Thank you,
Bob
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Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 16
10:28 AM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
It might be worth paying for a second opinion ie get a second inspection done. Depends on what the faults are and the required works. Electricians seem to vary in their interpretation of the regulations.
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392
11:19 AM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
I got a 2nd opinion and saved £400 as I knew the first company was trying to con me.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 559
11:25 AM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
On the first point, besides wondering why you are only just doing a legally required check now, I’d get a different electrician to do the works much sooner. Personally I always get safety issues addressed without delay. It’s not much of an excuse if there’s an accident to say your preferred contractor was too busy.
As for getting the house back – no you can’t. If it’s that bad then you need to find a work round. This may be a caravan in the garden (we have done that a few times) or just agreeing a plan with the tenant. How did it get to such a state? Was it really bad when let?
Member Since December 2021 - Comments: 3
12:06 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 21/11/2022 – 11:25
The house is actually in very good condition and had a survey before the tenant moved in, there are just some improvements which I want carried out.
With all the recent comments about improving insulation or dealing with mold I just wondered what a landlord was supposed to do if faced with major work.
Member Since March 2017 - Comments: 317
12:46 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Unless you know and trust the original electrician get a second quote. There’s plenty of rip off merchants out there and a shortage of good ones. I had Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom business for 25 years and we did our own electricals which were tested independently on completion for a certificate. I’ve still got all the test gear and my daughter was nearly ripped off a few months ago as I checked out the quote and 75% of it was incorrect/unnecessary and reported the electrician to his body. Be very careful.
Member Since October 2017 - Comments: 105
12:47 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Bob Lowden at 21/11/2022 – 12:06
We paid for our tenant to have a week’s
‘holiday’ at a local hotel when we had IWI fitted.
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 73
12:54 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
I would certainly obtain a second opinion from another electrician – its very surprising how different electricians view the same situation- I have had views varying from needing nothing to a partial rewire for the same property within days of each other – how do you determine the right option – we need to keep the property safe but when two ‘experts’ have different views it is very disconcerting. Also it is a good idea to obtain at least two estimates some electricians seem to think that because of the legal implication and that landlords are made of money!! the can charge what they like – ranging from just over £500 to over £1200 for the same job on several occasions
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 559
1:01 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Bob Lowden at 21/11/2022 – 12:06
Noted. It read like there were a number of problems.
Member Since December 2021 - Comments: 3
1:18 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Thanks for your comments. It’s a real shame that the guy I have used in the past has now moved on.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 193
1:47 PM, 21st November 2022, About 3 years ago
Hi,
With very recent changes in electrical regs you need to read up what faults the electrician has found.
After Grenfell it has taken nearly 5 years to introduce Arc Fault detection devices which need to be fitted in HMO,s and at £120/150 each plus maybe a new fusebox ( consumer unit ) many landlords face £2,000+ just to meet regs.
Mains wired interlinked smoke alarms, Emergency lighting, etc