Sockets & Sinks - The Law?

[Susie Nathan]

I'm renting a flat and just before I moved in the landlord got some cowboys in to tosh up the paint work, lay some cheap vinyl flooring and a new kitchen was installed. However, the kitchen wiring is a concern. In summary, fridge, washing machine, oven, hob and extractor are all running from the oven switch, via cables, through junction boxes to extensions etc. All laid under the kitchen units, in a galley style layout. The fridge and washing machine are plugged into a twin socket extension lead positioned directly under the sink and the cupboard beneath.

Please can someone advise me whether this is against Building Regs, H&S etc.

Despite the original extension overloading and the fuse of the washing machine blowing, the landlords electrician replaced the extension like for like.

Plus, I've yet to see an Electrical Safety Certificate....I've asked, asked, asked again....

 

[telectrix]

complete bodge. get the buggers back to do it right.

 

[Pete999]

complete bodge. get the buggers back to do it right.

Any paper work issued by Bob the Builder? do what Tel suggests, get the Butcher back to do the install correctly, if no action I would suggest Trading standards as your first port of call, the job is a complete bodge up. a disgrace, if you get nil joy with TS, name and shame the Builder.

 

[Deleted account]

Hi Susie,
you are quite correct to be concerned. First you should voice your concerns with the landlord.
Put it in writing. Keep it polite and to the point. Just state you are concerned with the wiring and want reasurance that all is safe. Keep a copy of letter.

Next stage if things are not rectified. Contact local authority.

Don't delay in this, do it straight away. Give your landlord a little time to respond and rectify. If nothing has happened in 3 weeks then contact local authority.

Your land lord has a legal duty of care to ensure the property is safe for occupation.

Good luck.

 

[Dustydazzler]

TOTAL LASH UP

 

[Pete999]

TOTAL LASH UP

Typical Builder, as long as it all works, all is OK , Not, Message to builders, don't mess with something you don't understand.

 

[littlespark]

The “extension” that has been replaced looks like a proper 13A socket, on a pattress box and fed by 2.5mm t&e
Apart from it being untidy, not secure and not in the right place, electrically, it will cope fine with a fridge freezer and washing machine plugged in.

The original might have just been old, and socket didn’t have a good grip of the plug pin.

How do you mean, supplied from the oven switch?

Is there an electrician you know or someone that can have a look at it for you, to give you an idea of what to say to the landlord?

 

[buzzlightyear]

who's in the smoke that can look at the work for this lady ,artful dodger SWD maybe .

 

[telectrix]

who's in the smoke that can look at the work for this lady ,artful dodger View attachment 48370 SWD maybe .

think she's got enough problems already.. i do like the pic of SWD as a child though.

 

[Dustydazzler]

She should give youtube legend Thomas Nagy a bell.....

 

[PEG]

Littlespark got it spot-on.
The local authority are not usually even mildly interested...unless bodies are being removed and would literally allow socket outlets to be mounted IN the sink....as long as it was above the overflow

 

[GLENNSPARK]

I'm renting a flat and just before I moved in the landlord got some cowboys in to tosh up the paint work, lay some cheap vinyl flooring and a new kitchen was installed. However, the kitchen wiring is a concern. In summary, fridge, washing machine, oven, hob and extractor are all running from the oven switch, via cables, through junction boxes to extensions etc. All laid under the kitchen units, in a galley style layout. The fridge and washing machine are plugged into a twin socket extension lead positioned directly under the sink and the cupboard beneath.

Please can someone advise me whether this is against Building Regs, H&S etc.

Despite the original extension overloading and the fuse of the washing machine blowing, the landlords electrician replaced the extension like for like.

Plus, I've yet to see an Electrical Safety Certificate....I've asked, asked, asked again....

View attachment 48368

Sorry to have to break it to you lass...but your landlord's a cheapskate...

As has been said...get it in writing to him...
Keep a copy of any letters you send...

 

[static zap]

TOTAL LASH UP

Bob the builder , or Kev the Kitchen fitter ?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Bob the builder , or Kev the Kitchen fitter ?

Aye...
Kev kitchen...
Barry bathroom fitter...
Justin joinery man...

Etc etc..

 

[Susie Nathan]

Thanks guys. So it's generally poor, shoddy, cheapness. Yet its not technically breaking the law?? Am I right?

 

[buzzlightyear]

That is correct ,but the landlord is libal if anything goes wrong .
he is responsible for your safety.

 

[buzzlightyear]

That is correct ,but the landlord is libal if anything goes wrong .
he is responsible for you safety.

 

[Andy78]

Thanks guys. So it's generally poor, shoddy, cheapness. Yet its not technically breaking the law?? Am I right?

Your landlord has a legal responsibility to provide and maintain a safe electrical system and a legal duty of care to all residents and visitors of the property.

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Thanks guys. So it's generally poor, shoddy, cheapness. Yet its not technically breaking the law?? Am I right?

If your flat is not purpose built it might be classed as a HMO (Housing act 2004-Part3). If it is, your landlord must have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). If not, it's not legally required now, but will be for all new tenancies later this year and all tenancies next year. Ask your local HMO officer if you are not sure, it's different in each council. Being curious by nature, he might want to take a look.
Another good bit of legislation is the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which came into force on 20 March 2019.
This will help stop landlords renting unfit properties.

 

[mr. shr]

Does the cooker switch have a socket on it?
I thought the cooker switch circuit is to supply the cooker only. I didn't think it was allowed to supply other appliances in the kitchen?