EICR downgraded by Landlord’s Agent from C2 to C3

[LauraCanning]

I am a tenant. We recently had an EICR done which has come back as Unsatisfactory with numerous C2 issues. However, our landlords agent has stated that they aren’t actually C2 issues so don’t require any work doing. Apparently in accordance with the Best Practice Guide 4 they believe they can downgrade them to C3. But the documentation still says they are a C2 and overall unsatisfactory.

Can they do this? All sounds a bit odd to me!

 

[westward10]

No they cannot amend a Report whether they have the technical knowledge or not without physically redoing the EICR. Some people believe the Best Practice Guides give them this technical knowledge, it does not.

 

[Steffano]

I am a tenant. We recently had an EICR done which has come back as Unsatisfactory with numerous C2 issues. However, our landlords agent has stated that they aren’t actually C2 issues so don’t require any work doing. Apparently in accordance with the Best Practice Guide 4 they believe they can downgrade them to C3. But the documentation still says they are a C2 and overall unsatisfactory.

Can they do this? All sounds a bit odd to me!

They're just trying to save on the remedial costs.

 

[littlespark]

Can you tell us what the issues were?

If you’ve got the report there, scan it in, but redact any personal details of yourself, the property address and the company doing the report.

Also if you have photographs.

We are quite experienced here and can usually tell a C2 from a C3 visually.

 

[Rockingit]

One thing I can guarantee about this: One of the two conflicting opinions will be pulling a fast one!

 

[LauraCanning]

 

[littlespark]

How “potentially dangerous” are items 6 and 7?

Lack of RCD does not make a circuit dangerous, but it’s nice to have when it’s a rental property.

However, item 11, which is an RCD, must operate correctly if fitted, So that one I agree with.

 

[westward10]

I'm not quite sure how they can alter items 7 and 11 as people would almost certainly deem them C2 and I doubt the Best Practice Guide would suggest this.

 

[LauraCanning]

This is DB1, the oldest fuseboard that is the subject to most of the discussions.

 

[brianmoooore]

11 is a definite C2, although a 2nd test might result in a satisfactory result.
6 and 7 depend on the date of installation, since, however much we'd like some of them to be, later editions of the regs are not retrospective
Looking at DB1, I'm fairly sure that this predates any requirements for RCDs, and while I'd strongly recommend it's replacement, if it was fitted properly, and hasn't deteriorated, then I couldn't insist.

 

[westward10]

It is very odd the landlords agent is trying to override this.

 

[LauraCanning]

It is very odd the landlords agent is trying to override this.

I can't see how they actually can unless they have another EICR carried out - is that correct?

What I haven't said is the EICR from 5years ago had the same issues and none of the works were done then as they also 'downgraded' the C2s. It's all only come to light now because of some comments made on the day by the electrician that was carrying out the EICR.

 

[brianmoooore]

The lack of RCD protection is similar to a pre 1971 classic car. A car made prior to 1971 does not require seatbelts to be fitted, but most owners of such cars have fitted them anyway, although there's no law requiring them to.

 

[westward10]

Does the agent have a vested interest in this property because I cannot see what they would achieve by doing this. As it stands you have a valid EICR they cannot change and they are obliged to carry out these works it might be an idea to contact Citizens Advice.

 

[LauraCanning]

Does the agent have a vested interest in this property because I cannot see what they would achieve by doing this. As it stands you have a valid EICR they cannot change and they are obliged to carry out these works it might be an idea to contact Citizens Advice.

So yes the agent is the one that would have to rectify the issues and therefore all the costs would sit with them. They are renowned for bodged jobs throughout properties and trying to do things cheaply.

 

[westward10]

Do they own it.

 

[LauraCanning]

Do they own it.

No they don't. They just manage the properties on behalf of the landlord who has several thousand.

 

[littlespark]

Why is there a Portable Appliance test sticker on a fuse board?

Ultimately it will be the landlord that has to pay…. Unless they already pay some maintenance charge to the agents to cover repairs, and the agent makes more money if they don’t pay any out to get the repairs done.

 

[DPG]

No they don't. They just manage the properties on behalf of the landlord who has several thousand.

Why does the agent have to pay for remedial work/maintenance?

 

[littlespark]

The excrement will surely strike the spinning blades if there’s ever a fire or injury put down to the electrics.
The electricians will have a copy of the reports, which will show the problems that haven’t been rectified, and any investigation will tear through the agents handling of this.
I don’t know if it’s the agent now, the landlord or both that are at fault.
Be simpler for them to just pay the money, get the boards changed and not have to worry about trying to dodge their responsibility’s.

I’m surprised the agent doesn’t have his own “electrician” that can pass the whole lot without comment.


That would be an interesting read.