One thing I really dont get:
Everyone on here is for installing RCDs in domestic properties so why is it when a proposal of a change of law regarding having them in all rental properties everyone objects to them. I agree that a lanlord should have a minimum of RCD cover in the property and yes I upgraded my 3036 board to MCB 2.5mm earth to 6mm then RCD and 10mm earth
Most of you are looking at this and saying that the landlord wont do it - he wont have a choice! I do work for a letting agent and in most cases the landlords are responsable but yes there is a few that see the property as a cash cow and have the rent money spent already. I always advise new landlords to bank 10% of the rental income until they build up a £2 or £3k emergency fund
Plus honestly if you went into a rental property and they wanted a shower what would you do? - install an RCD at a cost of how much? Instead of putting that RCD outside of the CU (which most do) why not put it inside instead? Well this is down to cost and the need for he electrician to work or in other words a fudge ie I can install a shower circuit and RCD for say £200 but you would be better upgrading the CU for say £475 the problem is that some landlords are thinking you are like a tyre company I go in for a puncture repair and come out with 4 new tyres so just tell me what I am obliged to do.
We are all pushing for RCDs in all homes as it is so why are some of you against it being mandatory - it will make your life easier.
Plus we are not talking big money here either -these landlords get £400 - £700 per month (depending on the size of the property) they should be putting part of that back in.Yes we are pushing but must take care we do not push too hard as this switches people off.
Yes RCDs go home, yes they pack up but so does cookers, so do cars - they would not think twice about replacing them would they!As I have said before people have priorities and a new CU is on the bottom of the list as it sits in a cupboard under the stair and "anyway what is the problem its been their for years and how come they are now dangerous I dont see an epademic with people being electricuted" type of comment plus human nature will pay £25k for a car but fight tooth and nail over a £100 electrical repair job.
Like has been said endless times - mot of us are sick and tired of landlords/home owners putting their/their children/their tenants safety after their items (cars, etc)Well yes we are and yes we want to do a good job but we as a trade cannot preach and force our views on people there is a balance to be had in this respect
I bet everyone here (who is an electrician) has a RCD in your home and every house you are connected with so why on earth wont you push for having them in every home by law?
Yes I know what you are going to say next - we are not pushing for every home - this is because we cant! Rental Properties are different - they are commercial and domestic at the same time as well as the landlord having someone elses life in their hands - different situation completely - the law can enforce different conditions on them where as they cant on a home owner.
Same can be said with Hotels, Pubs, Child Care facilities, etc, etc, etc.
Im not going to touch on EICRs because from what I see - everyone is for this!
The question is:
1 year and scrap in-between tenants
5 years with visual in-between tenants I have said this before Visual inspection condition reports are not worth the paper they ar written on and will somebody please show me where in the BGB they are. As for EICR again I have said this before plus have sent the same recommendation to the Scottish Parliment who are reviewing this ie every rental property (exclude HMO) gets a EICR every 5 years with a mini EICR if there is a change of tenant that confirms the RCD if fitted trips within the specified times and that the Zs at ALL socket outlets including cooker is recorded
In regards to enforcement as has been said - the LA licencing team (when it comes in for rentals) will enforce this and everything else imposed on landlords.Sounds good but in reality councils and governments like self regulation because that means they dont haveto take responsability
I know the complications which goes with this - but thats on their heads not ours or the landlords