Notes

Electrical Safety Certificate: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

Tests and inspections for electrical safety are now mandatory for landlords of residential homes in England.

These are called EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). Usually, these are completed by a trained and experienced individual such as an engineer.

The law

If you are a landlord that rents out residential properties, you may be aware of the law that obliges you to conduct electrical safety checks on your property. This is to protect your tenants from electrical fires and shocks.

The new laws came into effect in July 2020 and will be applicable to all tenancies established or renewed after that date. This means that starting in April 2021, all rental properties in England must have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) in place.

It is not always easy to get an EICR. It's a tangled document that must only be completed by qualified electricians.


A classification code is also used to determine the risk level of the wiring installation. This can assist you in determining whether repairs are required prior to the inspection. If the C3 classification code has been issued, you may need to upgrade the wiring system.

If the electrical system at your home is in good condition you should be able to show that reasonable measures have been taken to ensure it meets safety standards. You can also show that you tried to arrange the work, including communication with your electricians or your tenant.

You may also prove that you are complying with regulations by presenting your property for inspection to the local authority. The local authorities are accountable to enforce the law, and they're able to issue you notice of intent to fine you if they find that you're not meeting the requirements of the law.

If you're an individual landlord who would like to know more about the new regulations, or require some help on how you can meet your legal obligations Contact us. Our team will assist you to comprehend your obligations and guide you on how to obtain an EICR prepared. We will also help you comply with the new regulations and make sure that your rental properties adhere to the most recent guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Tenancy agreements are a contract that permits landlords to lease their property for a predetermined time. These agreements are usually for a fixed period of time and cannot be changed by either party. They also specify the amount of rent that must be paid and the date it must be paid.

There are several different types of tenancy agreements , based on the length of the tenancy, as well as the kind of property that is being let. They include the term-for years tenancy (or periodic tenancy) and the tenancy at your discretion and the tenancy for suffering.

Choosing the right type of agreement is a complex choice for both landlords and tenants. It's a delicate balance between the flexibility offered by short-term tenancies that can result in empty periods, as well as additional advertising costs and the security provided by longer tenancies that ensure your income.

The landlord's decision is vital as it determines how much the property can be rented and for how long the tenant can stay in the property. Typically, long-term leases are preferred as they offer security for both parties.

An electrical certificate is proof that the electrical system in a house are safe to use. This can help tenants and landlords save money over the long run. An valid EICR can be used in the case of an inspection by the local authority. It can also give tenants peace of mind because they know that you have taken measures to ensure their safety.

Additionally, it may help keep you from being fined in the event of a violation of the rules. If a local authority is of the opinion that you have failed to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of your tenants, they'll serve a reprimand notice to you, requiring you to carry out the work in the timeframe stated or face the possibility of a financial penalty.

The regulations are applicable to new tenancies as well as existing ones Therefore, you should take the opportunity to book an electrical inspection before April 2021, if that's possible. Once you possess an EICR that is valid It will be valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial work

Legally, you're required as a landlord to make sure that your property is in compliance with the requirements of the regulations. This means having an enforceable EICR and having any remedial work done.

You could face a fine of up to PS30,000 if the property you own doesn't meet these requirements. In addition, the local authority can issue a warning to you, demanding that remedial work be carried to ensure compliance with the regulations.

You must ensure that your property is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to do any repairs. It is also advisable to ensure that your tenants are aware that the person performing the work is a licensed electrician.

An electrician checks a house to ensure that all electrics are in compliance with British Standards and are safe to continue use. This will result in the release of an report (usually an EICR) that explains the outcomes of their inspection and test.

The report could show that the electrical circuits are safe for use, or call for further investigation work to be conducted or suggest that remedial work is required to increase the safety of the electrics. If the report identifies both C1 and C2 risks the tenant should to ensure that they are safe before they move in.

If the report recommends improvement, but there is no further investigation or remedial action, it will still be recommended to conduct the work in accordance with electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and are unsure of the condition of your property, it's recommended to communicate with your letting agent and see what action they can take. Your letting agent can assist you to arrange for an inspection of your home by a licensed electrician. They can also assist you get an EICR and can provide you with any further works that need to be completed.

How to get an EICR

If you're a landlord in a rented property it is essential to obtain an electrical certificate (EICR) and keep it up-to-date. This is because it provides you with legal protection, and peace of peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is secure.

An EICR report detects any problems in the condition, damage or deterioration of your property's electrical systems. It also provides recommendations for improvement and help ensure compliance with UK law.

The report can be obtained by calling a reputable electrician. The electrician will check your electrical system and assess the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords should make sure that they have an EICR must be conducted at least every five years or after the change in tenancy. The intervals could be reduced in accordance with the type of property you own and if there are extraordinary circumstances, such as after a flood or fire.

An experienced electrician can offer you the most accurate information on what kind of EICR is required for your specific property in relation to the size and usage. The report will be priced based on them. It could be a fixed fee or a per circuit price.

In order to maximize the value of your EICR it is vital that you select a professional who has a wealth of experience in this area and is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications are the only way to ensure that you're hiring a reliable and skilled technician to carry out the inspection.

Ask your electrician to offer insurance coverage for the work they perform. This will protect you against any unexpected costs that might occur.

After eicr certificate 've located the right electrician, you can set a date for the EICR to be completed. This will usually take between two and four hours.

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

Here's my website: https://rentry.co/d2irh