I have a new tenant (7 weeks in) who is expressing dissatisfaction that I wish to attend when an Electrician has been booked to attend to perform a new EICR check.
As a bit of context the brief details leading to this are, since taking over this property I have been unable to obtain the original EICR cert and unable to get the details of the company who performed it years ago to obtain a copy hence as per guidelines having to obtain a new cert to be compliant. This situation was explained to the new tenant and all parties were happy, and whilst I appreciate this is not the ideal circumstances it is what it is and I’m trying to resolve this at the earliest convenience to appease the tenant and remain compliant.
As a backdrop I am self managing the property and explained this to the tenant who initially seemed happy to have such an interested hands on landlord that cared about his property. But now when I have arranged a new company to perform the EICR testing and expressing I will be attending to not only meet this new to myself tradesman and build a possible working relationship going forward I would also like to understand and see this element of my property (the electrics) from a professionals input. Obviously I did not know if the tenant would be available on the date arranged so would attend to allow access but they will be home and have expressed they would rather I not attend as they will allow access and inform me of the electricians work etc.
I find this not only strange following my valid reasons to them (wanting to understand and view the work carried out but also to build contacts for future electrical works if needed), I am aware I do not need permission to attend such works only that minimum notice is given which it has (11 days).
I would very much appreciate a tenants perspective in such matters as I find this puzzling especially at such an early stage of building a working relationship with a new tenant. I should add I am not expecting to watch over the electrician through-out the whole procedure but from initial chat and questions I will be waiting outside until they are finished which I don’t think is unreasonable but would appreciate a tenants point of view so I can educate myself in this business.
Its possible that they have something to hide, such as damage, unauthorised decorations, a pet, a sub-tenant… Altetnatively they may just want minimal fuss on the day. You dont actually have an automatic right to attend the EICR, but you could schedule an inspection at the same time, giving min 24 hrs notice. Even then, if the tenant refuses access you cant force entry or it would be harassment.
Hi David, thanks for the reply. I know a tenant can refuse access but whilst its the electrician who’s competent to perform the test I do feel since I’m legally responsible for such things and paying a hefty price that I have some right to at least meet the chap and having a quick chat regards what is what surely if not just for the education and learning these things aspect but also because I care about my property?
Many thanks for the input. They started a 6 month AST mid Dec 25 so I believe I could still use an S21 if issued before May 1st and still use this option before it’s removed. If i issue on mid April that will be the minimum 4 months for the AST start and still give the minimum 2 months notice to end mid June. I feel slightly bad if going this route but I agree I think this is an early warning sign personally.
Cheers Karl, I have since provided clarity to this tenant that I will only be there to meet, greet and ask a few questions with the Electrician and not be in the house for the duration to appease her objection of which I still disagree with but trying to be amicable
I have never had a tenant not want me to be there for epc, elec cert. or Gas check. Sometimes they are not there and I open and lock up for them. If a tenant said “you cannot be there” I would think what do they not want me to see.
Hi Colin, to be fair I was there a couple of weeks ago due to a heating issue and whilst the house was handed over in immaculate condition they are a small family and busy but it was still reasonably clean. At this stage I do not think they are hiding anything I just think this young girl is very stubborn on such matters. Re reading the text conversations is mind boggling to say the least honestly
You would need to get a court injunction to enter against the tenants will and its not straightforward or guaranteed. Negotiation is still your best bet. If the tenant continues to block access, you may have to serve a s8 ground 12 notice on the basis that the tenant is preventing you fulfilling you lawful duty to inspect and ensure the property is in good repair and free from hazards. This ground is discretionary, so it may take more than one attempt to regain possession.
