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7 Little Changes That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

These are called EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). Usually, these are carried out by a qualified and competent person like an engineer.

The law

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

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

It's not always easy to obtain an EICR. It's a complicated piece of paper that should only be completed by certified electricians.

There's also a classification code which is used to assess the degree of risk the wiring installation is at It can be used to determine whether you should do any changes prior to the inspection. For example If you have a C3 classification code is issued, you may need to enhance the wiring system.

But if the electrical installation at your home is in good order it is your responsibility to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure it meets safety standards. It is also possible to prove that you attempted to plan the work, which includes communication with your tenant or electricians.

You can also demonstrate that you're in compliance with regulations by presenting your property to the local authority or another regulatory agency for an inspection. Local authorities are responsible to enforce the law, and they're able to issue you a notice of intent to fine you if they find that you're not meeting the requirements of the law.

Contact us if you're a private landlord and would like to learn more about new regulations or need advice on how to fulfill your legal obligations. Our team will help you understand your obligations and advise you on how to obtain an EICR prepared. We'll also assist you in abide by the new regulations and ensure that the rental properties meet all of the current guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords who want to let their property to tenants for a specific period of time can do so by signing a tenancy agreement. These agreements are usually for a set term and are not subject to change by either of the parties. The agreements also define the amount of rent to be paid and the due date.

There are many different kinds of tenancy agreements , based on the duration of the tenancy and kind of property that is being let. These include the term-for-years tenancy (or periodic tenancy), the tenancy at your choice and the tenancy for suffering.

Both tenants and landlords need to make the right decision when it comes to choosing the best type of agreement. It's a delicate balance between the flexibility offered by short-term tenancies, which could result in empty periods and additional expenses in the form of advertising for rentals, and also the security offered by longer agreements that ensure that your income is guaranteed.

The decision of the landlord is important as it determines how much the property is able to be rented out and the length of time the tenant can remain there. In general, long-term tenancies are preferred because they guarantee security for both parties.

Electrical certificates prove that the electrics within a property are safe to use, and can save both landlords and tenants money over the long term. A valid EICR can be used in the event of an inspection by the local authority. It can also provide tenants with peace of mind as they know you've taken the necessary steps to ensure their security.

Additionally, it could safeguard you from being fined should you fail to follow the rules. If the local authority finds that you've not taken reasonable precautions to ensure security and well-being of your tenants, they can issue a remedial notice which requires you to complete the work within the time frame specified or be penalized financially.

These regulations are applicable to all tenancies, new and old. If you are able schedule an inspection for electrical safety before April 2021. A valid EICR is valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial work

As a landlord, you're legally required to make sure your property meets the electrical safety standards specified in the regulations. This includes getting a valid EICR and any repairs that are required.

If your home does not conform to the regulations then you'll be held accountable for any injury that occurs to the people who reside in the property and could be fined up to PS30,000. In addition, the local authority could issue a notice to you, demanding that remedial work be carried in accordance with the regulations.

You should ensure that your property is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to complete any repairs. Also, you should make sure that your tenants confirm that the person who does the work is a registered electrician.

An electrician will inspect a home to ensure that all electrics comply with British Standards and are safe for continued usage. The electrician will then issue a report (usually an electronic ICR) outlining the findings of their inspection and testing.

The report could indicate that the electrical systems have been tested and are safe to continue using, or suggest further investigation. Generally, where the report shows that both C1 and C2 risks are present it is necessary for them to be made safe before the tenant moves into.

However even if the report recommends improvement , but doesn't require further investigative or remedial work to be done, it will still be advised to carry out the work to ensure that you meet electrical safety standards.

If electrical certificates are a landlord that isn't sure about the condition of your property, it's best to contact your letting agent to discuss what they can do. Your letting agent may be able to arrange for an inspection of your property by an experienced electrician. They can also assist you to obtain a copy of an EICR and advise on any further works that need to be completed.

How do you get an EICR?


It is essential that you have an electrical certificate (EICR) when you are a landlord of an apartment that is rented. It'll provide you with legal protection and peace of mind.

An EICR is an evaluation of defects in the form of damage, deterioration or conditions that could cause a danger to the electrics in your home. It also offers suggestions for improvement and help you comply with UK law.

Contact a trusted electrician to get the report. The electrician will look over the electrical system and determine the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords must ensure that an EICR is carried out at least every five years , or after a change in the tenancy. The frequency of these inspections can be decreased in accordance with the type of property you own and also if there are extraordinary circumstances, such as after a fire or flood.

An experienced electrician can provide you with the best information on what kind of EICR is required for your specific property in relation to its size and the use. The report will be priced based on them. This can be a flat fee or a per circuit cost.

To maximize the value of your EICR You must choose a specialist with 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 an experienced and skilled technician to carry out the inspection.

Ask your electrician to provide you with insurance for the work they perform. This will safeguard you from any unforeseen costs should any issues arise.

Once you've found the perfect electrician, you'll need to schedule a time for the EICR to be completed. This will usually take between two and four hours.

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

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