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ELECTRICTY, WIRING & APPLIANCES

Presenting your property for letting should not only take into consideration the aesthetic look of the premises but also the safety issues that surround the use of electricity within rented accommodation. Since April 2006 it has been illegal to let a property without an electrical saftey check and anyone how does so, is breaking the law.

Ring mains wiring within the property can conceal unknown dangers caused by the amateur re-wiring of sockets etc in order to achieve a better supply in various parts of the premises. Unless these changes are professionally tested, these potential danger points may never be realised until it is too late.

The overheating of undersized cables or badly wired junction boxes can so easily result in a major fire. This could lead to the threat of prosecution for the landlord and perhaps manslaughter charges should there be a fatality. It is therefore vital to inspect the wiring of all rented accommodation periodically.

David Graham our recommended electrical engineer (07811797861) recommends that this task should be undertaken at least every five years.

" As from January 2005 any electrical work carried out on a premises has to be done by a National Inspection Council (Part P) registered electrical contractor and the relevant NICEIC Electrical Installation or Minor Work Certificates issued for the work.....


......The British Standards BS7671 2001 also recommends where required that existing installations should have a Periodic Inspection Report carried out to determine, so far as it is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued use. The report consists of details of the premises, schedule of test results and a list of observations and recommendations. These are coded 1 to 4 with any code 1 remedial work recommended to be dealt with immediately.....

......Most of the properties we test fail to meet current standards mainly as result of the failure of earthing arrangements and the lack of Residual Current Devises to disconnect the supply in the event of a fault, such as accidentally cutting through the flex of a garden mower or hedge trimmer.

The testing of appliances is also important and this needs to be undertaken at the change of every tenant or at least annually whichever is the soonest. Portable appliances should be in a generally safe condition with no damage to the flexes and fitted with the correct ampage fuse. A modern plug with sleeves over the live and neutral terminals is also required under the Plugs and Sockets Act 1999. A small dated sticker is left on the socket of the appliance confirming when it was tested and when it will be appropriate to retest. This acts as a permanent record for any ingoing tenant that the accommodation in which they are living is safe and secure and the landlord can show "Best Practice" by being able to supply these certificates on demand to any tenant in the future.

It is worth remembering that under current legislation all electrical appliances, either portable appliances or those built in to kitchen units must be supplied with instruction manuals, either originals or hand produced by the landlord. Civil prosecution brought about by a tenant could result if they are not supplied.

For more information please contact our office.

Adrian Blaxley M.N.A.E.A.
Lettings Director