Planned Electrical Maintenance & Remedial Works for Landlords
Property & Landlords
Penmilne provides planned preventative maintenance and remedial electrical works for residential rental portfolios, letting agents and housing associations across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. From our Hitchin base, NICEIC-approved engineers complete C1 and C2 rectifications, void property turnarounds, consumer unit replacements and communal lighting maintenance, working to BS 7671 and the Decent Homes Standard.
NICEIC Approved Contractor, TrustMark endorsed, Aico Platinum Partner, ECA member and CHAS accredited. Serving Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire from Hitchin since 1977.
Why do landlords and housing associations need planned electrical maintenance?
An electrical installation deteriorates between inspections. Loose connections, damaged accessories, failed emergency lighting and ageing consumer units build up across a portfolio, and each one becomes a C1 or C2 observation at the next EICR if it is left alone. A planned maintenance programme spreads that cost, keeps homes safe for residents and avoids the 28-day scramble that follows an unsatisfactory report.
Penmilne has delivered electrical works for St Albans City & District Council and Thrive Homes, and supports private landlords and managing agents with the same approach on a smaller scale. We work in occupied homes and void properties, keep residents informed and leave every property clean and tidy.
Rapid C1 & C2 Rectification
Dangerous and potentially dangerous defects are prioritised, completed and confirmed in writing so you meet the 28-day remedial deadline.
Occupied & Void Properties
Engineers carry photo ID and wear branded clothing in occupied homes, and turn void properties around quickly so they can be re-let.
What does planned electrical maintenance include?
- Void property testing, rewires and consumer unit replacements
- C1, C2 and FI remedial works following an EICR
- Communal lighting, emergency lighting and photocell maintenance
- Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm upgrades
- Electric heating and extractor fan replacements
Works can be scheduled as a rolling programme across a portfolio or instructed property by property. Every job is completed by NICEIC-approved engineers and certified to BS 7671, with the paperwork you need for your compliance records.
Why do void rental properties need electrical checks before re-letting?
A void period is the only time a landlord has full, unrestricted access to a property. It is the most efficient moment to test the installation, replace worn accessories and carry out disruptive work such as a rewire or consumer unit upgrade before a new tenant moves in. It also means the incoming tenant receives a current, satisfactory electrical safety report before occupation, as the 2020 Regulations require.
What does a void electrical turnaround usually involve?
| Stage | Typical works | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Full EICR plus a visual check of accessories, alarms and fixed appliances | Establishes the scope of work and provides the report for the incoming tenant |
| Remedial | C1, C2 and FI items completed, damaged sockets and switches replaced | Brings the report to satisfactory before re-letting |
| Upgrades | Consumer unit replacement, cooker and shower circuits, extractor fans, partial or full rewire | Reduces future call-outs and extends the life of the installation |
| Sign-off | Certification, alarm testing and written confirmation | Gives you the documentation to let the property with confidence |
Who is responsible for electrical safety in communal areas?
In blocks of flats and shared houses, the landlord or managing agent is usually responsible for the landlord’s supply serving stairwells, corridors, entrances and external lighting. Emergency lighting in those common parts also falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires the responsible person to keep fire safety equipment maintained.
Penmilne maintains communal lighting, emergency lighting, bulkhead fittings, photocells and timed circuits, and can replace older fittings with energy-efficient LED to reduce running costs for residents and service charge budgets.
What our housing clients say
Penmilne Ltd have consistently delivered in their role as a true working partner with St Albans Council and have provided excellent key performance indicators in all of the various sectors of works.
Electrical Surveyor, St Albans City & District Council
Over the last five years, Penmilne and Thrive have worked well together to ensure all of our properties are compliant.
DR, Thrive Homes
Your electricians were brilliant, they were friendly, helpful and did a great job plus they tidied up everything afterwards and the ladies in the offices have been so helpful too, thank you all so much.
Mrs T, Resident, St Albans (communal lighting)
Maintenance and remedial works questions
Immediate dangers are made safe at the time of the inspection wherever possible. C2 and FI items are quoted straight after the report and scheduled so the work is finished and confirmed in writing within the 28-day deadline set by the 2020 Regulations, or sooner if the report requires it.
Yes. Penmilne has delivered electrical works for St Albans City & District Council and Thrive Homes, alongside private landlords, letting agents and block managers across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Yes. Engineers carry photographic ID, wear company-branded clothing, call ahead before arriving and keep power interruptions as short as possible. Vulnerable residents and essential equipment such as medical devices can be planned around.
Yes. Older fuse boards are one of the most common causes of C2 observations. Penmilne replaces them with modern consumer units that meet current BS 7671 requirements, including RCD protection and surge protection where required, and certifies the work.
BS 5266-1 recommends a brief functional test every month and a full rated-duration test every year, with results recorded in a log book. Penmilne can carry out and record these tests as part of planned maintenance.
Yes. Works can run as a rolling programme across multiple properties or be instructed one property at a time. Contact us with the size and location of your portfolio to discuss a schedule.