Property Management
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We had an EICR last year. Does that have to be done every year?
Read more: We had an EICR last year. Does that have to be done every year?Not necessarily – see article below. Further Reading Is this (inspection and testing of electrical installation) every year? {Knowledgebase article} Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at us using the contact details here Please rate this article so we know how well it answered your question…
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What is an oil safety certificate?
Read more: What is an oil safety certificate?Reference to oil safety certificate is probably reference to a document such as an OFTEC CD/11 Oil Firing Servicing & Commissioning Report that records that the oil fired appliance at the property has been serviced and the general condition of the oil storage tank and oil supply pipework has been checked. It may also be reference to a document such as an OFTEC TI133D Domestic Oil Storage Tank Spillage and Fire Risk Assessment to confirm the condition of the external oil storage tank. Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at us using the contact details…
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Does the inspection and testing of the electrical installation cover appliances?
Read more: Does the inspection and testing of the electrical installation cover appliances?No Further Reading What you mean by ‘electrical installation’? {Jungle Property Knowledgebase article} What is covered by an electrical installation inspection? {Jungle Property Knowledgebase article} Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at us using the contact details here Please rate this article so we know how well it answered your question…
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Do you have any advice regarding the safety of internal windows blinds?
Read more: Do you have any advice regarding the safety of internal windows blinds?Where internal window blinds are installed in premises where children 0 to 42 months are (ever) likely to have access or be present, ensure they comply with the EN 13120 standard. The standard includes: • Limitations on cord and chain lengths • Safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from creating a hazardous loop • The fitting of safety devices on cords and chains at the point of manufacture • The testing of all safety critical components of internal blinds • Safety warnings and product instructions Further Reading Internal Window Blind Safety Requirements {British Blind and Shutter Association} Still…
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Should I be concerned about my tenant falling from the loft?
Read more: Should I be concerned about my tenant falling from the loft?A landlord is right to consider the risk to the tenant of falls in any part of the property. If the roof space is being legitimately (by design) used for secondary purposes (other than just being a void space) such as… Housing the boiler and associated controls Converted to a living space Boarded to provide storage …then careful consideration needs to be given to safe access to/from the roof space. If the roof space is nothing more than a void between the ceiling of the room below and the roof with insulation then the roof space does not warrant any…
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I am concerned the tenant may not look after the garden, what should I do?
Read more: I am concerned the tenant may not look after the garden, what should I do?There is a condition in our agreements about maintaining the gardens but if you are concerned the tenant may not maintain the gardens as they agreed, there are a few things you can do: If the tenant is to be held responsible for maintaining the garden, it may help to make available the appropriate gardening tools and equipment. Any tools or equipment you do provide must be safe and in full working order and must be supplied with manufacturer’s instructions. Few tenants are experienced gardeners so if the garden is particularly large, of an elaborate design, contains plants of high…
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Does a landlord need to maintain appliances?
Read more: Does a landlord need to maintain appliances?Unless the landlord has expressly undertaken an obligation to maintain appliances, he is not obliged to do so. However anything a landlord supplies to a tenant (included in the inventory) must be safe throughout the tenancy. There is a common ‘expectancy’ (but not necessarily law or agreed) amongst tenants that anything the landlord supplies must be maintained by the landlord but this may not be true. Further Reading Who is responsible for repairing electrical appliances – landlord or tenant? {Jungle Property Blog article} What the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 mean for landlords {Jungle Property Blog article} Still not answered…
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Can an electrician self-certify their work?
Read more: Can an electrician self-certify their work?Yes – Electrical contractors, who register with a competent person self-certification scheme, will be able to self-certify compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations whenever they carry out ‘notifiable’ work. Persons who are not registered with a self-certification scheme – including DIYers – will need to notify or submit plans to a Building Control Body (BCB), unless the work is non-notifiable. What types of electrical work are notifiable? The introduction of the latest version of Part P was introduced on 6 April 2013, the range of works requiring notification has been reduced. Notifiable works The installation of a new…
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Do I need a new EICR for each new tenancy?
Read more: Do I need a new EICR for each new tenancy?No – The inspection and testing must be carried out at intervals of no more than 5 years or where the most recent report requires such inspection and testing to be at intervals of less than 5 years, at the intervals specified in that report. [Note: the legislation refers to ‘intervals’ e.g. every 2 years – the legislation does not refer to future uncertain events that may or may not happen within 5 years e.g. when the next tenancy ends] Electrical Safety First recommend that when a change of tenancy occurs, the landlord or their representative should always carry out…
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Can I use an EIC instead of an EICR to comply with the electrical safety regulations?
Read more: Can I use an EIC instead of an EICR to comply with the electrical safety regulations?The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 make no mention of EICs (Electrical Installation Certificates) issued for all new installations – the regulations make 22 references to ‘report’ but not a single reference to ‘certificate’ (within the context of EIC’s). However, the official guidance for landlords for the same regulations, states that if a property is newly built or has been completely rewired, landlords can provide a copy of the EIC to tenants and, if requested, the local authority. The landlord will then not be required to carry out further checks or provide a report…