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The Reason You Shouldn't Think About Enhancing Your Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

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

The law

If you are a landlord who leases residential properties, you might be aware of the law that requires you to carry out electrical security inspections of your property. This is to safeguard your tenants against electric shocks and fires.

The new laws came into force in July 2020 and will apply to all Tenancies that are renewed or created following that date. This means that beginning in April 2021, all rental properties in England will need to have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) in place.

It's not always easy, though. It's a complex piece of paper that should only be completed by certified electricians.


There's also a classification code that is used to determine the degree of risk that wiring installation is in - this can help determine the need for any changes prior to the inspection. For example in the event that a C3 classification code has been issued, you may need to enhance the wiring system.

If the electrical system installed on your property is in good working order, you can show that reasonable measures were taken to ensure that it meets safety standards. It is also possible to prove that you tried to arrange the work, and even communicate with your electrician or your tenant.

You can also prove that you're complying with regulations by presenting your property for inspection to the local authority. Local authorities are responsible to enforce the law, and they're able to issue you with notice of intent to impose a fine if they find that you're failing to meet the requirements of the law.

Contact us if you are a private landlord and wish to know more about the new regulations or need guidance on how to meet your legal obligations. Our team will help you comprehend your obligations and guide you on how to obtain an EICR prepared. We'll also help you abide by the new regulations and ensure that your rental properties conform to the most recent guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Tenancy agreements are an agreement that permits landlords to lease their property for a predetermined time. The agreements usually have a set term and cannot be altered by either party. They also state the amount of rent to be paid and the date on which it is due to be paid.

There are various types of tenancy agreements, dependent on the length of the agreement and the type of property that is being let. These include the term-for-years tenancy (or periodic tenancy), the tenancy at your will and the tenancy for suffering.

The right type of agreement can be a challenging choice for both landlords and tenants. It's an art of balancing the flexibility offered by short-term tenancies which can lead to empty periods and increased advertising costs, and the security offered by longer tenancies that guarantee your income.

For landlords, the choice is crucial because it determines how much the property will be rented for and how long a tenant is able to remain in the property. Long-term tenancies are generally more desired because they provide security for both the landlord and tenant.

An electrical certificate is proof that electrical appliances in a home are safe to use. This could save tenants and landlords money in the long-term. An valid EICR can be used in the event of an inspection being conducted by the local authority. It can also give tenants peace of mind knowing that they know that you have taken steps to ensure their safety.

Additionally, it may help safeguard you from being fined should you not comply with the regulations. If the local authorities believe that you have not taken reasonable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of your tenants, they can issue a remedial notice that requires you to finish the work within the specified time or be penalized financially.

These regulations apply to all tenancies, both new and old. If you are able make an appointment for an inspection to ensure electrical safety prior to April 2021. Once you have an EICR that is valid, it will remain valid for 5 years.

Requirements for remedial work

As a landlord, you're legally required to ensure your property is in compliance with the electrical safety standards specified in the regulations. This means you must have an valid EICR and having any remedial work done.

You could be fined as high as PS30,000 if your property does not meet the requirements. Alternativly, you can be served with a notice from the local authority, requesting that remedial work be done to ensure compliance with the regulations.

You should ensure that your property is safe by hiring a qualified electrician to do any repairs. It is also advisable to ask your tenants to confirm that the person performing 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 continued usage. This is followed by them issuing an EICR (usually an EICR) that details the findings of their inspection and test.

The report will show that the electrics have been tested and are safe to continue using, or suggest further investigation. Generally, where the report indicates that both C1 and C2 dangers are present it is necessary for them to be secured prior to the tenant is allowed to move into.

If the report recommends improvement but not further investigation or remedial work It will be recommended to conduct the work to comply with the electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and are unsure about the condition of your property, it's advised to connect with your letting agent to find out what actions they can take. Your letting agent can assist you to organize an inspection of your property by an experienced electrician. They can also assist you in obtain a copy EICR and guide you through any additional work that might be required.

Finding an EICR

If you're a property owner of a rental property it is essential to obtain an electrical certificate (EICR) and keep it current. This is because it provides you with legal protection, and peace of assurance that comes from knowing that your property is secure.

An EICR report identifies any defects or damage to your property's electrics. eicr certificates provides suggestions for improvement and assist you to remain in compliance with UK law.

Contact a trusted electrician to obtain the report. They will then perform an inspection on your electrics and evaluate the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords need to ensure that an EICR occurs at least once every five years or after the end of a tenancy change. These intervals can be reduced depending on the property and if there are any unusual circumstances, like after a flood or fire.

A professional electrician can provide you with the best guidance on which type of EICR is required for your specific property according to the size and usage. The report will be priced by them. eicr certificate could be a flat fee or a per circuit fee.

To reap the maximum benefit from your EICR You must choose a professional with extensive experience in this field and who is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These certifications will guarantee that you are hiring a reliable and competent technician to inspect the property.

Ask your electrician if they are able to provide insurance for the work they perform. This will help you to cover any unexpected costs that may occur.

Once you have identified the suitable electrician, you can set a date for your EICR to occur. This will usually take between two and four hours.

The results of the EICR will be delivered to you within the first 28 days following the inspection. The results will be made available to you to present to your local authority or potential tenants.

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