As a landlord, the turnaround between tenants is already a busy time. There's plenty to think about, and it's easy for the electrics to slip down the list of priorities.
A blown bulb is simple enough to deal with yourself, but what about the extractor fan in the bathroom that's been a bit sluggish for a while, or the heater in the front room that nobody's mentioned but hasn't worked properly in months? These things have a habit of getting overlooked during a changeover, but that doesn't make them any less important.
Long-term Tenants and Older Properties
This is especially worth thinking about if you've had a long-term tenant, or if the property is older, a farmhouse or cottage, for example, where the wiring or appliances haven't been touched in years.
Also if you've had a long-term tenant, or if the property is older, a farmhouse or cottage, for example, where the wiring or appliances haven't been touched in years. And if you don't manage the property day-to-day or haven't visited regularly, you may simply not know what condition things are in, relying instead on the tenant to flag anything that isn't working, which as we all know, doesn't always happen.
An EICR will highlight any underlying or immediate issues, but they're only carried out every five years and a lot can happen in that time, particularly where appliances are in heavy or constant use.
Less Interruptions
That's exactly why a vacant property is the perfect opportunity to get things looked at. If your EICR is due for renewal, the changeover is an ideal time to get it done without the hassle of working around a tenant. But even if your report is only a year or two old and still well within date, it doesn't mean everything is necessarily as it should be.
Those smaller jobs, the things that aren't necessarily dangerous but have been quietly on the list for a while, are so much easier to deal with when the property is empty. Having someone come in and work through them before your new tenant arrives means you're handing over a property you're confident in, without the niggling loose ends. This also gives you a chance to update any lighting or kitchen fixtures without interrupting your tenant.
It's also worth remembering that you're legally required to provide your new tenant with a copy of the latest EICR before they move in, so if yours is due, having a fresh, up-to-date report ready to hand over keeps everything above board from day one.
If you'd like us to come and take a look between tenancies, whether for a full EICR, a general check over, or simply working through a list of jobs that need attention, we're happy to help. Getting it sorted before your new tenant moves in gives you peace of mind, and them a home they can settle into from day one.
Give us a call on 01603 737360 or use the contact form and we'll arrange a convenient time to come out to you.
When a client asks you to fully illuminate a Norfolk church without a single light fitting being visible, you don't just reach for the nearest spotlight.
Our electrician Andy faced exactly that challenge recently: lighting the main worship area of this beautiful countryside church as brightly as possible, while keeping every fitting completely out of sight.
The solution wasn't just about where to hide the lights. It was about choosing the right lights in the first place. Not just any LED strip would work here, the delicate nature of the building demanded careful selection, ensuring the output, colour temperature and profile were precisely right for the space. Too bright and it would feel clinical. Too warm and the paintings would lose their true colours. Too bulky and there simply wouldn't be a suitable recess to conceal them.
Andy carefully installed the chosen strips within the steps and recesses of the exposed beams, producing a warm, even glow that fills the entire space. Bright enough to worship in, soft enough to feel at home in. Every painting on the walls is beautifully lit, with no shadows or dark corners remaining.
It's the kind of job that doesn't shout about itself, and that's exactly the point.
At Trevor Wright Electrical we take real pride in working sympathetically within historic and sensitive buildings, bringing modern electrical solutions without compromising the character of the space.
For more information on the church, please visit them here
If you're a residential landlord and you've been thinking about installing an EV charger at one of your properties, now is a great time to start making plans. From 1st April 2026, the government is increasing the maximum EV chargepoint grant for residential landlords from £350 to £500.
What Is the EV Chargepoint Grant?
The EV chargepoint grant is a government scheme that gives landlords money off the cost of buying and installing an electric vehicle chargepoint socket at their properties. You can currently claim either £350 or 75% of the total installation cost, whichever is lower. From 1st April 2026 that maximum figure rises to £500.
How Many Grants Can You Claim?
As a residential landlord you can claim up to 200 grants per financial year. These can be spread across multiple properties and installations, making it a genuinely useful scheme if you manage a larger portfolio.
Residential landlords
You or the organisation you represent are a residential landlord if you own or manage:
- a property that is let or leased for people to live in (for example a flat)
- a property that has multiple units in it where people live (for example a block of flats)
- the common or communal spaces of a property that has multiple units in it where people live (for example an apartment block or a housing estate)
When residential landlords can apply
You can apply for an electric vehicle chargepoint grant or infrastructure grant as a residential landlord if you’re:
- an individual with property to let
- a right to manage (RTM) company
- a residents’ management company (RMC)
- a company or person owning the freehold of a property
- a company owning a building’s common areas, including shareholders who are the leaseholders
- a property factor in Scotland
- a private registered provider of social housing (PRP)
- a public sector organisation - for example government departments, local councils, the armed forces or the NHS and emergency services
- a charity that manages or owns residential property
You cannot apply if:
- you live in the property
- you only rent your property out as a holiday rental
- you do not have a company registration number or a VAT registration number
- you’re installing a chargepoint for a new build or because of another mandatory requirement
Source: https://www.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-landlords/eligibility
Why Act Now?
With the grant increasing in just a matter of weeks and EV ownership continuing to grow, there has never been a better time to get ahead of the curve. Offering EV charging at your properties is an increasingly attractive feature for tenants and a smart long term investment.
At Trevor Wright Electrical we carry out professional EV charger installations across Norfolk for residential landlords of all portfolio sizes. We'll handle everything from planning and placement through to a clean, professional installation.
Get in touch today for a free quote and let's get your properties EV ready.
For full details on the grant and how to apply, visit the official government page at gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-landlords
