What do landlords need to fix after an EICR?
Anything the report codes C1, C2 or FI. Under the electrical safety regulations for private rented homes in England, those items must be put right within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and landlords are expected to send written confirmation to the tenant and the council once the work is done.
In Victorian terraces like those around Westcotes, the same items come up again and again:
- No RCD protection
- Usually solved by replacing the old board.
- Missing or undersized earthing and bonding
- To gas and water pipes where they enter.
- Damaged sockets and switches
- Common after years of tenants moving furniture in and out.
- Circuits added without paperwork
- Often in extensions and converted lofts.
Are there extra rules for HMOs near De Montfort University?
Often, yes. De Montfort University is close by, and many terraces in the West End are shared houses. Leicester City Council uses HMO controls in some wards, including Article 4 directions that affect turning a family house into a shared one, and licensing for some HMOs. The rules vary by street and by house size, so check with Leicester City Council for your property.
On the electrical side, HMOs usually need more than a single smoke alarm in the hall. The level of fire alarm depends on the size and layout of the house and what the council or your fire risk assessment requires. We fit and replace mains-powered, interlinked alarms across all floors.
Why do West End terraces get damp and mould?
Usually a mix of solid walls, small back bathrooms and a lot of moisture from everyday living. Shared houses add to it: several people showering, cooking and drying clothes indoors puts a lot of water into the air.
Where the cause is poor ventilation, a properly sized extractor fan with a humidity sensor or run-on timer in the bathroom and kitchen often makes a real difference. Where the damp comes from outside, such as a leaking gutter or failed pointing, a fan won't fix it, and we'll tell you so. Damp and mould are judged under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and rules for landlords are changing, so check current guidance.
When does a fuse box in a terrace need replacing?
When it no longer gives the protection a modern home needs, or when an EICR says so. Many terraces here have had boards changed at least once, but older ones with rewireable fuses, no RCDs or a cracked case still turn up.
A new consumer unit with RCBO protection means a fault on one circuit only cuts that circuit, which matters in a shared house where one tenant's heater shouldn't plunge the whole place into darkness. It is notifiable work, so it is notified to building control as the law requires, and you get the certificate for your records.
When's the best time to book work in a student let?
Before the next group moves in. Many student lets around here change tenants over the summer, which is usually the easiest time for EICRs, remedials, new alarms and a fresh consumer unit, with no one to work around.
We're only about 2 miles away, so when we can, we come out the same day for urgent problems during a tenancy too. For planned work, send the whole list at once: electrical, plumbing and handyman jobs can go on one fixed price and, usually, one visit.