Landlord visit - is it compulsory?

[EmeraldEyelashes]

Hi I hoped someone might be able to answer this, I’ve looked online but can’t find much just vague info.

I rent privately via a lettings agent and once a year a representative from the company comes to check the property. I’ve just heard from them and the guy wants to come this week to do a full check which takes about an hour.

I also have to have gas and electric safety checks this week and have been told they’ll take approx 2 hours in total. I understand these are essential, however would I be unreasonable to ask that they wear a mask?

I really don’t feel ok about the annual check though, we are in a hotspot with 60 cases per 100k. I’m not shielding BUT I do have a medical condition which could be dangerous with Covid due to the medication I take. I haven’t let any family members in this house for 6 months now and am extremely careful, I also have a child who may be affected more seriously by the virus.

Is there anyone who can say whether I legally have to let this visit go ahead? Thank you!

Just to add the reason it’s barely been used is because we all use reusable ones now, I’ve just got this one for spares.

Oh also, sorry I forgot to add this. Over the past few months, when we needed a plumber before, and when we were first emailed about this gas check, the lettings agency said very clearly: “All tradesmen entering the property during this time will be in full PPE”. As I said before, the plumber wasn’t.

Ok so this time if they turn up without PPE you don't let them in and you get on the phone to the lettings agency.

I cannot believe people are saying if they refuse to wear a mask just wait outside!

Any contractor who for wherever reason isn't in a mask will have been in and out of numerous other properties, without a mask. They're about as high risk as you could let into your home.

@Lucindainthesky for new electrical checks (I believe they are the EICRs-Electrical Installation Condition Reports), does the landlord also only need to prove that they have made enough attempts to carry them out (and on this basis tenants can ask for them to be postponed due to the pandemic)?

I am worried as these new inspections take a long time and engineers need to access/touch several items/rooms in the house.

It's not the same as gas checks/Portabel Appliance Testing that are generally carried out in the kitchen and you can wipe down surfaces after the inspection has been completed.

Thanks @Lucindainthesky I appreciate your comments so much on here, they’ve helped me to feel more confident about things, because as you can probably tell, I am not an assertive person at all!!!

Ok I will do this, I’ll very politely offer him a brand new mask out of the box of disposable surgical masks I’ve got, and if he refuses then I’ll say I’d rather not let him in and will phone the agency.

I will let you know how I get on!

I also would not let anyone into the house if they are not wearing adequate PPE including disposable overshoes

Oh yeah the shoe coverings would be good as well actually, will see if he has them on. So glad it’s not just me who would be a bit wary!

I presume for people insisting tradespeople wear ppe these are people who still isolate themselves as in not go anywhere in public themselves?

Good luck OP, hopefully they will arrive in PPE and it won't be too stressful

trulydelicious I don't know re the electric check, we've not been approached for one yet. The legislation I read was specifically to do with gas safety. I would imagine the same would apply to the electric check but I can't be sure.

seayork2020 correct. We haven't been in a shop/pub/restaurant since March and WFH. Certainly not socialising or having anybody in our house.

We can't be classed as shielding now as DD is back at school but that's the one thing that can't be avoided.

Not going to let a contractor in without PPE!

Thank you Lucinda 😘

@seayork2020. - as I said I haven’t let anyone in for 6 months now, also I’ve been in supermarkets about 10 times since March and used sanitiser whenever possible, always a mask. I’ve been in 2 relatives homes who needed my help urgently and again sanitising a lot and mask throughout. My DH has to wear a mask for his job and he’s done most of the shopping, again masked always. I wouldn’t dream of insisting on going in someone’s house without a mask, if they asked me to.

Just an update, the gas guy has been and gone, such a lovely man who did our check last year as well. He was wearing a mask when I answered the door and was in for just over 10 minutes. I will see what happens with the cases today and tomorrow, I know they’re growing like crazy.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Glad everything went well @EmeraldEyelashes

Thank you!

@CuriousaboutSamphire
May I ask why when you check the windows you mentioned the smell of bleach?

Is it good or bad if you can smell bleach?

(Purely interested in this as I often wipe round things with bleach)

It's not been done but then again I don't trust landlords or estate agents
Many landlords don't have the first clue about landlord & tenant law.

Some LLs are shocked that only a court or a tenant can legally end a tenancy.

Had my check recently and the guy wore a mask. Although didn't socially distance at all, called me by the wrong name throughout and was vaguely unhelpful.
The joys of renting!

I'd rather catch covid that suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning or have my home blow up. It's a safety check, did you know that means it's purpose is to keep you safe.

*?
Do you mean this bit?

"Inside, walk into each room, check the inside of the windows; use your sense of smell (blech)"

I read 'blech' as being a similar word to 'ugh' or 'yuck'- not as 'bleach'. I might be wrong though...*

Thanks for the reply.

I can't believe how stupid I am for not understanding you when it actually makes sense.

Then again I am pleased because there is no reason for me not to use bleach.

I'd rather catch covid that suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning or have my home blow up. It's a safety check, did you know that means it's purpose is to keep you safe.

It is about personal circumstances and what your risk and likely outcomes are of catching COVID against not getting the gas check done.

Not everybody is the same.

@RhubarbTea

Had my check recently and the guy wore a mask. Although didn't socially distance at all, called me by the wrong name throughout and was vaguely unhelpful. The joys of renting!

Oh no!! 🙈 At least he wore a mask. Yep I know what you mean about the many joys of renting!

@InfiniteSheldon

I'd rather catch covid that suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning or have my home blow up. It's a safety check, did you know that means it's purpose is to keep you safe.

Yes I did realise that a gas safety check had the objective of keeping us safe. Which is why I’ve said throughout that I’m happy to have that one and did last week.

The annual check has been allowed to be postponed for a few weeks, there is no compromise on the electric one though and I’ve been told quite firmly I have to let it go ahead ASAP. We are on local lockdown here but I know that’s irrelevant to these checks. We had a complete electrics check two years ago, if you’re a homeowner I’m curious if you arrange these detailed 90 minute electrical checks every couple of years?

I know I sound ridiculous to some people and silly about Covid, but I know it could affect me badly and I’m worried about my son catching it too.

Ha a Electrical inspection will take alot longer than 90 minutes, half a day would probably be the minimum for a standard 2 bed. In general rentals should be checked at least every 5 years and at least every 10 years for owned homes. Duration can be less if the report determines that the installation is deteriorating. Many homeowners dont bother to get them done then act surprised when a electrician comes to do work and issues are brought to light. There is also the small matter of insurances being invalidated if they do not have a satisfactory report. www.niceic.com/www.niceic.com/media/PDF/FactSheet-Electrics-A4-4pp.pdf

It says in that link that they're not even obligated to get issues fixed, it's just recommended!