Notes

5 Laws Everybody In Electrical Safety Certificate Should Be Aware Of
Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

They are also known 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 rents out residential properties, you might be aware of the law that requires you to perform electrical security checks on your property. This is to protect your tenants from fires and electric shocks.

The new law came into effect in July 2020 and will be applicable to all tenancies established or renewed after the date. All rental properties in England must have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) from April 2021.

Getting an EICR isn't always straightforward, but. It is a complicated piece of paperwork that must only be completed by qualified electricians.

There's also a classification code which is used to assess the level of risk that wiring installation is at This can help you determine whether you need to make any repairs prior to the inspection. If the C3 classification code was issued, you may need to upgrade the wiring system.

But if the electrical installation on your property is in good condition then you'll be able to demonstrate that reasonable steps were implemented to ensure it's in compliance with safety standards. You should be able to prove that you've tried to arrange the required work, such as communicating with your electrician and tenant.

You can also show that you're in compliance with the law by presenting your property for inspection to the local authority. If they discover that you are not complying with the law's requirements local authorities may issue you a notice of intent for an amount of fine.

If you're a private landlord and want to learn more about new regulations, or require assistance on how to meet your legal obligations, contact us. Our team can explain your obligations and offer guidance on how to arrange an EICR. We'll also assist you in abide by the new regulations and ensure your rental properties comply with the latest guidelines.

electrical installation certificate who wish to lease their property for a specified period of time can do so by signing a tenancy agreement. These agreements usually have a fixed period of time and cannot be modified by either party. They also state the amount of rent to be paid and the date by which it is due to be paid.

There are various types of tenancy agreements, based on the duration of the agreement as well as the type of property that is being let. This includes the term for years of tenancy, the periodic tenancy, tenancy at will and the tenancy for sufferance.

Both tenants and landlords have to make the right decision in deciding on the appropriate type of agreement. It's a balance between the flexibility provided by short tenancies, which may be empty periods, and extra expenses in the form of advertising for rental, and the security provided by longer tenancies , which ensure that your income is guaranteed.

For landlords, the choice is important because it affects the amount the property can be rented out and how long a tenant can remain in the property. Tenancies that last for a long time are generally more desired because they provide security for both the landlord and tenant.

Electrical certificates are proof that the electrics within the home are safe to use, and will save both landlords and tenants in the long run. An valid EICR can be used in the event of an inspection by the local authority, and it will also give tenants peace of mind as they know that you have taken measures to ensure their safety.

In addition, it can help safeguard you from being fined in the event of a violation of the regulations. If the local authority believes that you've not taken reasonable precautions to ensure security and well-being of your tenants, they will issue you a reprimand note and ask you to finish the work within the specified timeframe or pay a fine.

The regulations apply to both new tenancies and those that are already in place and you should therefore take the time to schedule an electrical inspection prior to April 2021, if that's possible. Once you have a valid EICR it will be valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial work

As a landlord, you are legally obliged as a landlord to ensure that your property is in compliance with the standards of the regulations. This means you must have an valid EICR and getting any necessary remedial work completed.

If your home does not conform to the regulations and you fail to meet the requirements, you are liable for any injuries that occur to those who reside in the property and can be punished up to PS30,000. Alternatively, the local authority can issue a warning to you, requesting that you carry out to comply with the regulations.

To ensure that your property is safe, you should always make sure that you employ a fully qualified electrician to complete any repairs. You should also request your tenants to verify that the person performing the work is an accredited electrician.

When an electrician visits a property the electrician will verify that all of the electrics meet British Standards and are safe for use. 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 it may suggest further investigation. In general, when the report indicates that both C1 and C2 dangers exist and present, they must be made safe prior to when the tenant moves in.

If the report recommends improvement but there is no further investigation or remedial work, it will still be recommended to do this work to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and you are uncertain about the condition of your property, it is recommended to speak with your letting agent to see what action they can take. The letting agent can help you connect with a qualified electrician and arrange for an inspection to be conducted on your property. They can also help you obtain a copy EICR and assist you with any additional work that might be required.


How do I obtain an EICR?

If you're a landlord of a rental property, it's vital that you get an electrical certification (EICR) and keep it current. This is because it will provide you with legal protection, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is safe.

An EICR is an evaluation of defects that are causing damage, deterioration, or circumstances that could pose an electrical danger in your property. It can also provide recommendations for improvement and help you stay compliant with UK law.

The report can be obtained by contacting a reputable electrical contractor. The electrician will check your electrical system and examine the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords need to ensure that they have an EICR is carried out at minimum every five years or after a change in the tenancy. You can decrease these intervals depending on the property and any other unusual circumstances like an emergency like a fire or flood.

A licensed electrician will be able to offer you the most accurate advice on what kind of EICR is needed for your particular house according to its size and the use. The report will be priced by them. You can pay a flat fee, or per circuit.

To get the most from your EICR inspection, you must choose a professional with extensive experience in this field and who is a member of the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. These qualifications are the only way to ensure that you're hiring a reliable and certified technician to conduct the inspection.

Ask your electrician to provide you with insurance for the work they perform. This will shield you from any unexpected costs that might occur.

Once you've found the perfect electrician, you'll be able to fix a date for the EICR to be completed. It can take between 2 and 4 hours.

The results of the EICR will be sent to you within 28 days following the inspection. The information will be available for you to show to your local authority or prospective tenants.

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