The photo below was taken during the fitting of an electrical consumer unit by a landlord into his rented property in Gwynedd.
The consumer unit failed an electrical inspection some years ago and a HHSRS report was recently created by cyngor Gwynedd after their inspection of the property, which found this and other hazards, in March of this year and gave advice on how the hazards were to be remedied by the landlord.
In early July, no work had been started on the property when the landlord then emailed the tenant wanting the tenant to pay £65 an hour for his 'professional fee' (to include any standing time), another £35 an hour for a labourer, plus skip/trailer hire, .85p a mile travel expenses and all materials to be charged.
The enforcement officer was informed of the situation, he then emailed the landlord to make it very clear that he could not charge the tenant anything and these costs were the landlords responsibility.
The landlord is not a qualified electrician and ignored repeated directions from the local private housing enforcement officer that any electrical work "MUST" be carried out by a qualified electrician.
On the 2nd September, he began ripping out the old electrical box. He was reminded of the council's report and directions but told the tenant to ring cyngor Gwynedd's enforcement officer if not happy.
During that call, the council enforcement officer u-turned and confirmed that an unqualified person installing a new electrical box is now acceptable as the council wanted the work progressed.
Is this usual?
The officer has said there are only two officers for the whole of Gwynedd and that a lot of their time is spent dealing with houses of multiple occupation. (HMO's)
The consumer unit has not yet been tested by a qualified electrician but the council officer assured the tenant it would be certified in one week.
Perhaps the fire insurance should be increased?
