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.