Osborne Electrical Services

Landlord Inspections (Also known as a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), or a "housecheck") are used to assess the condition of an electrical installation at a property.

 

 

 

 

 

These reports are used mainly by landlords and estate agents to ensure a regular check of the electrical installation at rented properties, although any private house owner can request an inspection at any time, or when one is due. Periodic Inspection Reports (or an initial inspection), will also be carried out as part of any consumer unit change/replacement. This is to ensure that all the circuits going into the new consumer unit are safe and arn't presenting any dangers. Visual Condition Reports are also available and these basically give you a visual report on what can be seen, with the use of any electrical test equipment or taking anything apart. Both the Periodic and Visual reports will result in a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory result. If the report does end up being unsatisfactory then works will be required to correct any deviations. These are always fully explained and a written quote supplied.

 

Periodic Inspection Report due dates vary depending on the use of the installation. It is recommended that inspection and testing is carried out at least every:-

- 10 years for a domestic installation

- 5 years for a commercial installation

- 3 years for caravans

- Yearly for Swimming Pools

All rented properties and those bought and sold are suggested to have a periodic report completed at change of occupancy. It is currently not a legal requirement to have these reports carried out, however Portable Appliance Testing is required by law for appliances in rented accomodation. Osborne Electrical Services offer both the Periodic Inspection Reporting and the Portable Appliance Testing services. Contact us for more details.

 

During a Periodic Inspection Report a form is filled out consisting of approximately 6 pages (depending on the installation). An example of this form is found by clicking here. Photographs of defects are also taken and also many notes will be made to allow a full report to be written. It usually takes around 2 hours for the testing and on site inspection, then a full report will be written and returned within a day (by email) or 2 days by post.

 

All reports, Visual Condition Reports (VCR) or Periodic Inspection Reports (PIR), have a page listing all the defects that were found (if any). These will all be coded from 1 to 4. Any code 1 or 2 deviations will need to be actioned and repaired during remedial works which will follow the report (these works will be quoted along with the full written report, and you do not have to have them carried out, they are just advised). Code 3 or 4 deviations point out any non compliances with the current regulations and standards. These are built into the report so that the end user is aware of these notes and they can be actioned as remedial works, although they are not required to be repaired or changed.