Notes

10 Situations When You'll Need To Be Aware Of Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

They are referred to as 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 who leases out residential properties, you may be aware of the law that requires you to conduct electrical safety checks on your property. This is to protect your tenants from electric shocks and fires.

The new law came into force in July 2020, and will apply to all leases that were created or renewed following the 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 tangled document that must only be completed by certified electricians.

There's also a classification code that can be used to assess the degree of risk the wiring installation is in It can be used to determine whether you should do any remedial work before the inspection. If the C3 classification code was issued, you may need to upgrade the wiring system.

However, if the electrical system at your residence is in good working order, you should be able to demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to ensure it meets safety standards. You can prove that you've attempted to organize the necessary work, including communicating with your electrician and tenant.

You may also demonstrate that you're in compliance with regulations by presenting your home to the local authority or any other regulatory agency for an inspection. If they discover that you're not in compliance with the law's requirements, the local authorities could issue you an intention notice for the payment of a fine.

If you're an individual landlord who would like to learn more about new regulations, or you need help on how to fulfill the legal requirements Contact us. Our team can help explain your obligations as well as provide guidance on how to set up an EICR. We'll also help you to abide by the new regulations and ensure your rental properties meet all of the current guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Tenancy agreements are an agreement that permits landlords to lease their property for a predetermined period of time. These agreements typically have an agreed-upon period and cannot be altered by either party. They also contain the amount of rent that must be paid and the date on which it is due to be paid.

There are many different kinds of tenancy contracts based on the length of the tenancy, as well as the kind of property to be let. These include the term-for-years tenancy (or periodic tenancy) and the tenancy at will, and the tenancy for suffering.

Selecting the best type of agreement is a complicated decision for both landlords and tenants. It's a balance between the flexibility of short-term tenancies, which could result in empty periods and additional expenses in the form of advertising for rentals, and the security offered by longer tenancies , which ensure that your income is guaranteed.

The landlord's decision is vital since it will affect how much the property is able to be rented out for and how long the tenant is able to remain there. Typically, long-term tenancies are preferred because they provide security for both parties.

Electrical certificates are proof that the electrical systems in the building are safe for use, and could save both landlords as well as tenants in the long term. An valid EICR can be used in the occasion of an inspection by the local authority. It can also give tenants peace of mind knowing that they are assured that you have made the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

It can also shield you from being penalized if you fail to follow the regulations. If a local authority finds you have failed to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of your tenants, they will issue a remedial notice to you, and require you to finish the work required within the specified timeframe or risk an financial penalty.

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

Requirements for remedial work

As an owner, you are legally required to make sure your property is compliant with electrical safety standards set out in the regulations. electric certificates means obtaining an valid EICR and completing any remedial work completed.

If your property fails to meet the standards that you must meet, you could be held responsible for any injuries that occur to those who live in the house and may be fined up to PS30,000. Alternatively, you could be served with a notice from the local authority demanding that remedial action be taken to comply with the rules.

You must ensure that your property is safe by hiring a qualified electrician to carry out any repairs. It is also a good idea to inquire of your tenants to confirm that the person doing the work is an authorized electrician.

When an electrician inspects a home the electrician will verify that all of the electrics are in compliance with British Standards and are safe for use. The electrician will 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 for using, or it may recommend further investigation. If the report is able to identify both C1 and C2 dangers the tenant should to ensure their electrical systems are safe prior to when they move into the premises.

However even if the report suggests improvement, but does not require further investigation or remedial work to be completed it is recommended to complete this work to meet the electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and are uncertain about the condition of your property, you should to speak with your landlord agent to discuss what they can do. Your letting agent can help organize an inspection of your property by a qualified electrician. They can also assist you obtain an EICR and offer advice on any additional work that needs to be completed.

How do I obtain an EICR?

If you're a landlord of a rental 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 as well as the peace of assurance that comes from knowing that your property is safe.

An EICR report is one that identifies any defects in the condition, damage or deterioration of your property's electrics. It can also provide recommendations for improvement and assist you to stay compliant with UK law.

Get in touch with a trusted electrician obtain the report. The electrician will look over your electrical system and assess the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords should ensure that an EICR must be conducted at least every five years or after the change in tenancy. These intervals can be reduced depending on the property and if there are any extraordinary circumstances, such as following a fire or flood.

A qualified electrician can give you the best advice on what type of EICR is required for your specific property according to the size and usage. The report will be priced based on them. It could be a flat rate or a per circuit fee.


To benefit the most from your EICR it is vital that you select a professional who has extensive experience in this area and is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications will ensure that you are hiring a reliable and competent technician to inspect the property.

It's a good idea to ask your electrician whether they can also provide you with an insurance policy for the work they do. This will protect you against any unexpected costs that may arise.

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

After you've completed the EICR results, they will be provided to you within 28 days of the time the inspection was completed. The information will be accessible for you to present to your local authority or potential tenants.

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