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The No. One Question That Everyone In Electrical Safety Certificate Needs To Know How To Answer
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

Residential property owners in England are legally obliged to have electrical safety inspections and tests conducted on their property on a regular basis.

These are referred to as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). Usually, they are completed by a qualified and competent person like an engineer.

The law

You might be aware that electrical safety checks are required for landlords who lease residential properties. This is to safeguard your tenants from electrical fires and shocks.

electrical installation certificates came into force in July 2020 and will be in force for Tenancies that are renewed or created after the date. This means that from April 2021 all rental properties in England must have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) in place.

It's not always simple to get an EICR. It's a complex piece of paperwork that has to be completed by a certified electrician. It includes a thorough examination of the entire wiring system within the home.

There's also a classification code that can be used to assess the level of risk the wiring installation is at It can be used to determine the need for any repairs prior to the inspection. For example when a C3 classification code is issued, you may need to make improvements to the wiring system.

But if the electrical installation at your residence is in good working order then you'll be able to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that it meets safety standards. You should demonstrate that you've attempted to arrange the necessary work, including communicating with your landlord and electricians.

You can also demonstrate that you're following rules by presenting your home for inspection by the local authority. The local authorities are responsible to enforce the law, and they're able to issue you an intention to fine you if they determine that you're not fulfilling your duties under the law.

If you're a private landlord and want to know more about the new regulations, or you require assistance on how to fulfill your duties under the law, contact us. Our team can assist you understand your obligations and advise you on how to obtain an EICR arranged. We can also assist you to adhere to the new regulations and make sure that your rental properties are in compliance to all the latest guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords who want to let their property to tenants for a specified period of time can do this by signing a tenancy agreement. These agreements usually have the duration of a specific period and cannot be modified by either of the parties. They also contain the amount of rent that must be paid and the date it is due to be paid.

There are various types of tenancy agreements, based on the duration of the agreement as well as the kind of property being let. These include the term-for-years tenancy (or periodic tenancy) or tenancy at your discretion, and the tenancy for suffering.

The right type of agreement is a complicated decision for both landlords and tenants. It's a balancing act between the flexibility that comes with short tenancies, which may result in empty periods and additional costs in the form rental advertising, and the security offered by long tenancies , which ensure that your income is assured.

The landlord's decision is critical as it will affect the amount of property that can be rented out for and how long the tenant is able to stay there. In general, long-term tenancies are preferred because they provide security for both parties.

An electrical certificate proves that electrics in a property can be used in a safe manner. This can save landlords and tenants money in the long-term. An valid EICR can be used in the case of an inspection by the local authority. It can also provide tenants with peace of mind knowing that they know that you have made the necessary steps to ensure their security.

It can also protect you from being fined if you do not comply with the rules. If the local authorities believe that you have not taken reasonable steps to ensure the security and safety of your tenants, they will serve you a remedial note that requires you to complete the work within the time frame specified or be penalized financially.


These regulations are applicable to all tenancies, both new and old. If you can arrange an inspection for electrical safety prior to April 2021. A valid EICR will be valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial work

As a landlord, you are legally obliged as a landlord to make sure that your property is in compliance with the requirements of the regulations. This means having a valid EICR and having any repairs done.

You can be fined upto PS30,000 if your property does not meet the requirements. Alternately, you could be served with a letter from the local authority demanding that remedial work be done in order to meet the requirements.

You should ensure that your property is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to carry out any repairs. It is also a good idea to ask your tenants to confirm that the person who is doing the work is a registered electrician.

When an electrician visits a property, they will check that all of the electrics are in compliance with 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 could show that the electrical circuits are safe for use, or require further investigation work to be carried out or recommend that remedial action is required to enhance the safety of the electrics. If the report is able to identify both C1 and C2 dangers the tenant will have to ensure that they are safe before they move in.

However, if the report only recommends improvement but does not require further investigation or remedial work to be completed, it will still be recommended to complete the work to ensure that you meet electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and are unsure of the condition of your property, it's best to get in touch with your letting agent and see what action they can take. Your letting agent can help arrange for an inspection of your property by an experienced electrician. They can also assist you obtain an EICR and offer advice on any additional works that need to be completed.

How do you get an EICR?

It is vital to have an electrical certificate (EICR) when you are a landlord in an apartment that is rented. This is because it provides you with legal protection and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is secure.

An EICR is an inspection report that pinpoints any defects, deterioration, damages and/or circumstances that could pose the electrics in your home. It also provides suggestions for improvement and help comply with UK law.

The report is available by making contact with a reliable electrical contractor. The electrician will inspect your electrical system and assess the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords must ensure that they have an EICR is conducted at minimum every five years or after a change in the tenancy. You can decrease these intervals in accordance with the property as well as any unusual circumstances such as a flood or fire.

A professional electrician can provide you the best advice about the type of EICR you need for your home based on the size, use and other elements. The report will be priced by them. It could be a flat rate or a per circuit fee.

To get the most from your EICR it is essential to select a technician with years of experience in the field and who is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These certifications are the only way to be sure that you're hiring a trustworthy and qualified technician to perform the inspection.

Ask your electrician to provide you with insurance for the work they do. This will shield you from any unexpected costs that may arise.

Once you've identified the best electrician, you can fix a date for the EICR to be completed. The process typically takes between two and four hours.

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

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