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20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Electrical Safety Certificate
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

These are known as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). Typically, electric certificates are performed by a certified and competent person such as an engineer.

The law

If you are a landlord who leases residential properties, you might be aware of the law that obliges you to conduct electrical safety inspections on your property. This is to safeguard your tenants from electrical fires and shocks.

The new legislation came into effect in July 2020 and will apply to all tenancies that were made or renewed after the date. All rental properties in England must have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) from April 2021.

It's not always straightforward to get an EICR. It is a complicated piece of paper that should only be completed by experienced electricians.

There's also an identification code that's used to determine the level of danger the wiring installation is at This will help you decide the need for any necessary repairs prior to inspection. For example when you have a C3 classification code is issued, you may be required to upgrade the wiring system.

If the electrical system on your property is in good order you should be able to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been implemented to ensure it's in compliance with safety standards. You should demonstrate that you've attempted to organize the required work, such as communicating with your electrician and tenant.

You may also prove that you're following regulations by presenting the property for inspection by the local authority. The local authorities are accountable for enforcing the law, and they'll issue you notice of intent to fine if they discover that you're not fulfilling your duties under the law.

If you're an individual landlord who would like to know more about the new regulations, or need help on how to fulfill the legal requirements Contact us. Our team can help you understand your obligations and assist you on how to get an EICR set up. We can also assist you to comply with the new regulations and ensure that your rental properties are conforming to all the latest guidelines.


Tenancy agreements

Tenancy agreements are a contract that permits landlords to lease their property for a specified period of time. These agreements usually are for a specific period of time and cannot be modified by either party. These agreements also specify the amount to be paid and the due date.

There are various types of tenancy contracts, based on the length of the agreement as well as the type of property that is being let. This includes the term for years tenancy, the periodic tenancy one-time tenancy, and the tenancy for sufferance.

Both landlords and tenants need to make the right choice in deciding on the appropriate type of agreement. It's an intricate balance between the flexibility of short-term tenancies which could lead to empty periods, as well as additional advertising costs and the security provided by longer tenancies , which assure your income.

For landlords, the decision is crucial as it determines the amount the property can be rented and how long a tenant is able to remain there. Typically, long-term leases are preferred because they guarantee security for both parties.

An electrical certificate proves that electrical equipment in a building can be used in a safe manner. This could help tenants and landlords save money in the long run. An valid EICR can be used in the case of an inspection by the local authority, and it could also give tenants peace of mind since they know you've taken the necessary steps to ensure their security.

It can also protect you from being punished if you fail to adhere to the regulations. If the local authority believes that you've not taken reasonable precautions to ensure the security and well-being of your tenants, they will serve you a remedial note that requires you to finish the work within the time frame specified or be penalized financially.

The regulations are applicable to new tenancies and existing ones and you should therefore take the opportunity to book an electrical inspection prior to April 2021 if it is possible. 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 compliant with electrical safety standards set out in the regulations. This includes the obtaining of an EICR and any remedial work that is necessary.

If your property does not meet the requirements and you fail to meet the requirements, you are liable for any injuries to anyone living in the property and can be fined up to PS30,000. In addition, you may be served with a letter from the local authority asking that remedial action be taken to ensure compliance with the regulations.

To ensure your property is secure, always make sure that you employ a fully qualified electrician to complete any repairs. You should also ask your tenants to confirm that the person who does the work is an accredited electrician.

An electrician will inspect a home to ensure that the electrical systems conform to British Standards and are safe to continue use. The electrician will issue a report (usually an electronic ICR) explaining the results of their inspection and testing.

The report will show that the electrics have been tested and are safe to continue using, or suggest further investigation. If the report finds both C1 and C2 dangers, the tenant will need to ensure that they are safe before they move into the premises.

If the report recommends improvement, but not further investigation or remedial work it will be recommended to conduct the work in order to meet the electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and you are unsure of the status of your property, it's best to get in touch with your letting agent to see what action they can take. The letting agent can help you get in touch with an electrician with experience and can arrange for an inspection to be carried out on your property. They can also help you obtain a copy of an EICR and offer advice on any further works that need to be completed.

How do you get an EICR?

It is crucial to have an electrical certificate (EICR) in the event that you are a landlord of a home that is rented. It'll provide you with legal protection and peace of mind.

An EICR is an assessment of the condition, deterioration, damages and/or conditions that may pose a danger to the electrics within your home. It may also offer suggestions to improve the condition and assist in ensuring that your property is in compliance with UK law.

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

Landlords need to ensure that an EICR is conducted at least every five years or following the end of a tenancy change. The intervals could be reduced depending on your property and if there are extraordinary circumstances, such as following a fire or flood.

A qualified electrician can give you the best advice about which type of EICR you need for your property based on its size, usage, and other factors. They'll also be able to offer an estimate for the report. You can choose to pay a flat rate, or per circuit.

To maximize the value of your EICR, it's important that you select a professional who has years of expertise in this field and is registered with the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications will ensure that you are hiring a reliable and competent technician to check the property.

Ask your electrician if they can provide you with insurance for the work they do. This will safeguard you from any unforeseen costs should any problems occur.

Once you've found the most suitable electrician, you are able to set a date for your EICR to take place. It typically takes between 2 and 4 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 authorities and potential new tenants.

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