What are the rules around landlord surveys/inspections during lockdown?

[SecretChocolateStash]

I’ve just had an email from my landlord wanting to send someone in a few days to come and do an energy efficiency inspection.

I don’t have an issue with it but is this allowed during lockdown?

I've reread the rules on the gov website and it seems to me to suggest that only essential repairs or safety checks should be done,
Anything that can wait until after the lockdown should, does that sound right and reasonable?

I wouldn't class an EPC as essential at this point. I work in property and the only inspections we are continuing with are gas safety checks and EICRs/PATs as well as urgent reactive maintenance. Anything that can wait and won't pose a threat to the health and/or safety of tenants or their neighbours have been put on the back burner for the time being.

Thanks for the reply,
That's what I thought.

I'm thinking about just asking if it can wait until after the lockdown, hopefully he will agree.

How long have you rented that property?

I suspect your landlord has missed the EPC deadline and is having a minor panic. There could be some legal ramifications for him.

blog.openrent.co.uk/epc-rules-2018-time-running-out-for-landlords/

The current epc expired 7 years ago, it was rated D according to the gov website so wouldn't be affected by the new legislation I don't think.

Have a read round. The law changed and your landlord had until April last year to have an in date one for every rented property, I added link but, if it doesn't work, Google EPC rental property and you will find all sorts of industry info.

I work with letting agents, I occasionally get asked to check for Epcs

www.justlandlords.co.uk/news/landlords-guide-energy-performance-certificates/

I thought the rules around it are that you only need a new one of you are selling or letting a property?

I didn't think it was urgent which is why I though I could ask to wait until after the lockdown to do it.

I think emailed him back and asked to reschedule the survey after the lockdown and he has replied with,

"It's a legal requirement and yours is out of date so it needs doing urgently. you will also need to leave the house while the surveyor performs the survey."

I can't find any specific information on the gov site about what counts as essential work.

can you check with citizens advice bureau?
i agree with you and find such things so annoying.
that inspector can carry covid from another house he inspected.
maybe you cant leave house and you are shielding.
this is an unusual situation and it should be after lockdown.
and i dont belive their ppe kits.
he will touch everywhere at your home and you wouldnt know where he touched exactly. it will put you in danger.

I’m not sure but I had an EPC and survey on Tuesday as I’m having a full central heating system fitted. I just took my son to the park whilst they did it. I was happy with it but it’s completely up to you who you have inside your home

Maybe (subtly) put the onus on him to send you the specific exception as to where an EPC would be allowed during the current lockdown?

It's snowing here.

I replied and asked how long the survey will take as going out really isn't ideal for us.

He replied and said "less than an hour, the assessor will come Monday morning"

I don't want to be awkward but I feel like something like this is probably not essential enough to warrant breaking the lockdown for.