Domestic Routine Visual Inspections

Routine Operational Visual Inspection (ROVI)

If the property has a valid in date -Satisfactory-Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and the tenant has moved out. The landlord may choose to carry out a Routine Operational Visual Inspection (ROVI). This is useful for certain landlords with short term tendencies with a high turnover of tenants, and the financial cost of carrying out a full EICR is restrictive.

The ROVI will check for:

• Visually check the main incoming service
• Visually check the consumer unit without taking the lid off
• Any obvious damage to accessories
• Check the main earthing conductors are in place
• Check the main protective bonding conductors are in place
• Cheque to confirm the manual operation of RCDs or RCBOs via the test button
• Make a visual check to see appliances are PAT tested
• Confirm that smoke detectors have been fitted on each floor and that they do operate

As a landlord, that is thinking of arranging a Routine Operational Visual Inspection in between tenancies. The outcome of the ROVI must be satisfactory. The valid in date EICR needs to to be made available to the electrician for confirmation.

If there is doubt surrounding the current safe state of the electrical installation and its treatment by an outgoing tenant (s), it is highly recommended the full EICR is carried out before the new tenancy to ensure it is safe for continued use. It is our opinion that a full EICR should be carried out; this remains the prerogative of the landlord.