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15 Current Trends To Watch For Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

Electrical safety inspections and tests are now mandatory for landlords of residential properties in England.

They are referred to as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). These reports are usually completed by an engineer or another qualified person.

The law


You might have heard that electrical safety checks are required for landlords renting out residential properties. This is to safeguard your tenants from electric shocks and fires.

The new laws came into effect in July 2020 and will apply to all tenancies created or renewed following the date. All rental properties in England require an electrical safety certificate (EICR), starting in April 2021.

The process of obtaining an EICR isn't always easy, however. It's a tangled piece of paperwork that must only be completed by qualified electricians.

A classification code can also be used to determine the level of risk associated with the wiring installation. This will assist you in determining whether remedial work is required prior to the inspection. If the C3 classification code is issued, then you might need to upgrade your wiring system.

If the electrical system at your residence is in good order you should be able to prove that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that it is in compliance with safety standards. You can show that you've attempted to organize the necessary work, including communicating with your electrician and tenant.

You can also demonstrate that you're complying with the regulations by presenting your home to the local authority or other regulatory body for an inspection. Local authorities are responsible in enforcing law, and they're able to issue you with an order to fine if they discover that you're failing to meet your duties under the law.

If you're an individual landlord who would like to learn more about new regulations, or you require assistance regarding how to meet the legal requirements Contact us. Our team can help you comprehend your obligations and guide you on how to obtain an EICR arranged. We'll also help you abide by the new regulations and ensure that the rental properties conform to the most recent guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

A tenancy agreement is an agreement that permits landlords to lease their property for a specific time. These agreements typically have a fixed term and cannot be modified by either of the parties. They also contain the amount of rent to be paid and the time it must be paid.

There are many types of tenancy agreements, based on the length of the agreement and the type of property that is being let. This includes the term for years tenancy the periodic tenancy, one-time tenancy, and the tenancy for sufferance.

The right type of agreement is a complicated choice for both landlords and tenants. It's a delicate balance between the flexibility of short-term tenancies that could be empty periods, and extra expenses in the form of rental advertising, and the security offered by longer leases that guarantee your income is guaranteed.

The landlord's decision is vital as it will affect the amount the property can be rented and for how long a tenant is allowed to remain there. Typically, long-term leases are preferred as they guarantee security for both parties.

Electrical certificates are proof that the electrical appliances in the property are safe to use, and this can save both landlords and tenants money in the long run. An valid EICR can be used in the event of an inspection being conducted by the local authority, and it will also give tenants peace of mind as they know that you've taken the necessary steps to ensure their security.

It can also protect you from being fined if you do not adhere to the rules. If the local authority finds that you have not taken reasonable precautions to ensure security and safety of your tenants, they may issue a remedial notice that requires you to complete the work within the stipulated time or face a financial penalty.

The regulations apply to new and existing tenancies and you should therefore take the opportunity to schedule an electrical inspection prior to April 2021 if it is possible. A valid EICR is valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial works

As an owner, you are legally required to ensure your property is compliant with electrical safety standards set out in the regulations. This means you must have an valid EICR and completing any repairs done.

If your home does not conform to the regulations, you will be liable for any injury that occurs to the people who reside in the property and may be fined up to PS30,000. Additionally, the local authorities can issue a warning to you, demanding that you carry in accordance with the regulations.

You should make sure that your home is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to complete any repairs. Also, you should request your tenants to verify that the person doing the work is a licensed electrician.

An electrician inspects a property to make sure that all electrics conform to British Standards and are safe for use. This will then result in an issue of a report (usually an EICR) which details the results of their inspection and test.

The report could either prove that the electrics are safe to continue use, or require further investigation work to be done or recommend that remedial action is needed to improve the electrical safety. If the report highlights both C1 and C2 dangers, the tenant will need to make them safe before they move into the premises.

If the report recommends improvement but not any further investigation or remedial work, it will still be advised to complete the work to comply with the electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and you are unsure of the status of your property, it's recommended to communicate with your letting agent to see what action they can take. The letting agent can help you get in touch with a qualified electrician and arrange for an inspection to be carried out on your property. They can also help you obtain a copy of EICR and provide you with advice on any additional work that might be required.

Finding an EICR

It is crucial to have an electrical certificate (EICR), if you are a landlord of a rental property. It'll give you security and legal protection as well as peace of mind.

An EICR is an assessment of the condition that are causing damage, deterioration, or conditions that may pose the electrics in your home. It can also make recommendations for improvement and help to ensure the compliance with UK law.

The report can be obtained by making contact with a reliable electrical contractor. They will then carry out an inspection on your electrics, assessing the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords should ensure that an EICR takes place at least once every five years, or after the end of a tenancy change. The frequency of these inspections can be decreased depending on your property and also if there are unusual circumstances, like after a fire or flood.

A professional electrician can give you the best advice on what type of EICR is required for your particular property depending on the size and usage. They'll also be able to provide an estimate for the report. It could be a fixed fee or a per circuit price.

To maximize the value of your EICR You must choose a technician who has vast experience in this field and who is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications will ensure that you're hiring a reliable and competent technician to examine the property.

It's a good idea inquire with your electrician if they are able to provide you with an insurance policy for the work they carry out. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs should problems arise.

Once you have found the appropriate electrician, you can decide on a date and time for your EICR to be conducted. It typically takes between two and four hours.

The results of the EICR will be sent to you within 28 days of the inspection. The information will be accessible for you to present to your local authority or prospective tenants.

Read More: https://www.electricians-r-us.co.uk/electrical-certificates/