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What's The Ugly The Truth About Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

Landlords of residential homes in England are legally required to have electrical safety inspections and tests performed on their property at regular intervals.

These are known as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). Usually, these are done by a competent and qualified person such as an engineer.

The law

You may have noticed that electrical safety checks are mandatory for landlords renting out residential properties. This is to safeguard your tenants against electric shocks and fires.

The new laws went into effect in July 2020 and will apply to all leases that were created 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.

An EICR isn't always straightforward, but. It is a complicated document that should only be completed by licensed electricians.

There's also an identification code that's used to assess the degree of danger the wiring installation is at It can be used to determine whether you'll need to do any changes prior to the inspection. If the C3 classification code has been issued, then you may have to upgrade the wiring system.

If the electrical installation on your property is in good working order it is possible to prove that reasonable measures were taken to ensure that it conforms to safety standards. You should also prove that you have attempted to organize the work, including communication with your tenant or electricians.

You may also demonstrate that you're in compliance with regulations by presenting your property to the local authority or another regulatory body for an inspection. Local authorities are responsible to enforce the law, and they'll issue you a notice of intent to fine you if they determine that you're not able to fulfill your duties under the law.

Contact us if a private landlord and want to learn more about new regulations or require guidance on how you can meet your legal obligations. Our team can help you learn about your obligations and guide you on how to get an EICR prepared. We will also help you comply with the new regulations and ensure that your rental properties are in compliance to the most recent guidelines.

electrical installation certificates are an agreement that permits landlords to lease their property for a predetermined period of time. The agreements usually have a set term and cannot be changed by either of the parties. The agreements also define the amount of rent to be paid and the due date.

There are many types of tenancy contracts, based on the length of the agreement as well as the kind of property being let. This includes the term-for year tenancy (or periodic tenancy) as well as the tenancy at will and the tenancy to relieve suffering.

Both landlords and tenants need to make the right choice when choosing the right type agreement. It's a delicate balance between the flexibility provided by short-term tenancies that could result in empty periods and additional costs in the form rental advertising, and the security provided by longer tenancies , which ensure that your income is assured.

The landlord's decision is crucial since it will affect how much the property is able to be rented out for and how long the tenant is able to remain in the house for. Long-term leases are typically more desired because they provide security for both the landlord and the tenant.

An electrical certificate is proof that electrical equipment in a building are safe to use. This can save landlords and tenants money in the long run. A valid EICR can be used in the event of an inspection being conducted by the local authority, and it can also provide tenants with peace of mind since they are assured that you have taken measures to ensure their security.

It also shields you from being punished if you fail to adhere to the rules. If a local authorities believes you've failed to take reasonable steps to ensure security of your tenants they'll issue a corrective notice on you, demanding you to finish the required work within the timeframe stated or face an financial penalty.

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

Requirements for remedial work

As a landlord, you are legally obliged as a property owner to ensure that your property is compliant with the standards of the regulations. This means obtaining an enforceable EICR and having any repairs done.

If your home does not meet the standards then you'll be held accountable for any injury to people living in the property and could be fined up to PS30,000. In addition, the local authority could issue a notice to you, demanding that you carry in order to meet the regulations.

You must make sure that your home is secure by enlisting a licensed electrician to complete any repairs. It is also recommended to ask your tenants to confirm that the person who is doing the work is a licensed electrician.

When an electrician checks a house they will ensure that all the electrical components meet British Standards and are safe for use. The electrician will then issue a statement (usually an electronic ICR) outlining the findings of their inspection and testing.

The report can either show that the electrics are safe for continued use, or call for further investigation work to be done or suggest that remedial work is needed to improve the safety of the electrics. Generally, where the report finds that both C1 and C2 dangers are present the electrical system must be secured prior to the tenant moves in.

If the report recommends improvement but there is no further investigation or remedial work It will be advised to complete the work to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.

If you're a landlord who is unsure about the condition of your property, you should to contact your leasing agent to discuss what they can do. The letting agent can assist you contact an electrician who is certified and arrange for an inspection to be carried out on your property. They can also help you obtain an EICR and advise on any further works that need to be completed.

How do I obtain an EICR?

If you're a property owner of a rental property it is crucial to obtain an electrical certificate (EICR) and keep it up-to-date. This is because it will provide you with legal protection as well as the peace of assurance that comes from knowing that your property is secure.

An EICR is an evaluation of defects in the form of damage, deterioration or circumstances that could pose a danger to the electrics within your home. It can also offer suggestions for improvement and help remain in compliance with UK law.

Find a reputable electrician to get the report. The electrician will inspect your electrical system and evaluate the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords need to ensure that an EICR is conducted at least every five years or after a change of tenancy. You can shorten these intervals dependent on the property and any other unusual circumstances like a flood or fire.

A licensed electrician will be able to offer you the most accurate guidance on which type 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 flat rate or a per circuit price.

To get the most value from your EICR You must choose a technician who has years of experience in this field and who is registered with the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications are the only way to be sure that you're hiring a reliable and skilled technician to carry out the inspection.


Ask your electrician if they can offer insurance coverage for the work they carry out. This will safeguard you from any unexpected costs that might arise.

Once you have identified the most suitable electrician, you are able to set a date for your EICR to be conducted. This will usually take between two and four hours.

The results of the EICR will be delivered to you within 28 days after the inspection. You'll be able to present this to your local authority and potential new tenants.

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