Why No One Cares About Electrical Safety Certificate

Electrical Certificate For Landlords

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

electric certificates are also known as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). These reports are usually completed by an engineer or another qualified person.

The law

If you are a landlord who leases out residential properties, you may be aware of the law that requires you to carry out electrical security inspections of your property. This is to protect your tenants from fires and electric shocks.

The new laws came into effect in July 2020 and will be applicable to all tenancies made or renewed after the date. This means that, from April 2021, all rental properties in England will require an electrical safety certificate (EICR) in place.

It's not always straightforward to obtain an EICR. It's a tangled document that must only be completed by certified electricians.

A classification code is also used to determine the risk level of the wiring installation. This will determine if remedial work is necessary before the inspection. If the C3 classification code is issued, then it is possible that you need to upgrade your wiring system.

But if the electrical installation at your residence is in good working order then you'll be able to prove that reasonable steps have been implemented to ensure it's in compliance with safety standards. It is also possible to prove that you attempted to plan the work, and even communicate with your electrician or tenant.

You can also show that you are complying with regulations by presenting the property for inspection by the local authority. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the law, and they can issue you an intention to fine if they discover that you're not meeting your obligations under the law.

If you're a private landlord looking to learn more about new regulations, or need help on how to meet your duties under the law, contact us. Our team will assist you to learn about your obligations and guide you on how to get an EICR prepared. We'll also help you abide by the new regulations and ensure your rental properties comply with the most recent guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords who wish to lease their property for a period of time can do so by signing a tenancy contract. These agreements are typically for a set term and cannot be changed by either party. These agreements also specify the amount of rent to be paid and the due date.

There are many types of tenancy agreements, dependent on the duration of the agreement and the type of property that is being let. They include the term-for years tenancy (or periodic tenancy) or tenancy at will, and the tenancy for suffering.

Deciding on electrical test certificates of agreement is a complex decision for both landlords as well as tenants. It's an important balance between the flexibility of short tenancies that can result in empty periods, as well as additional advertising costs as well as the security provided by longer tenancies that provide a guaranteed income.

For landlords, this decision is important because it affects how much the property will be rented for and the long a tenant is able to stay there. In general, long-term tenancies are preferred because they guarantee security for both parties.

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

It can also shield you from being penalized if you fail to adhere to the rules. If a local authority is of the opinion that you've failed to take reasonable steps to ensure security of your tenants they will serve a remedial notice to you, and require you to carry out the work in the timeframe stated or face an financial penalty.

These regulations apply to all tenancies, both new and old. If you can, book an inspection for electrical safety before April 2021. An EICR that is valid will be valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial works





As a landlord, you are legally required to make sure your property is compliant with electrical safety standards outlined in the regulations. This means having an enforceable EICR and getting any necessary remedial work done.

If your property does not meet the requirements then you'll be held accountable for any injury that occurs to the people who reside in the property and can be punished up to PS30,000. Alternativly, you can receive a notice from the local authority asking that remedial work be carried out to comply with the regulations.

You should ensure that your property is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to make any repairs. You should also request your tenants to verify that the person doing the work is a licensed electrician.

An electrician checks a house to ensure that all electrical components conform to British Standards and are safe for continued usage. electrical installation certificate will then issue a report (usually an eICR) outlining the findings of their inspection and testing.

The report may either demonstrate that the electrics are safe to continue use, require further investigative work to be conducted or recommend that remedial work is required to improve the security of the electrics. If the report identifies both C1 and C2 dangers the tenant will have to ensure that they are safe before they move into the property.

However when the report recommends improvement , but does not require further investigative or remedial work to be undertaken however, it is recommended to complete the work to ensure that you meet electrical safety regulations.

If you are a landlord and are not sure about the status of your property, it's recommended to speak with your letting agent and decide what steps they could take. Your letting agent can assist you to arrange for an inspection of your property by a qualified electrician. They can also assist you to obtain an EICR and can provide you with any additional works that need to be completed.

How to get an EICR

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

An EICR report detects any problems in the condition, damage or deterioration of your property's electrical systems. It also provides recommendations to improve the condition and assist in ensuring that your property is in compliance with UK law.

Contact a reliable electrician to obtain the report. The electrician will look over your electrical system and examine the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords must ensure that they carry out an EICR is carried out at least every five years or after a change in the tenancy. These intervals may be reduced according to the condition of your property and if there are any extraordinary circumstances, such as following a fire or flood.

A licensed electrician can provide you with the best guidance on which type of EICR is needed for your particular house depending on its size and the use. The report will be priced by them. This can be a flat rate or a per circuit price.

To get the most value from 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 certifications are the only way to ensure that you're hiring a trustworthy and qualified technician to perform the inspection.

It's a good idea to inquire with your electrician if they're able to provide you with an insurance policy for the work they do. electrical installation certificate will protect you from any unforeseen costs should any issues arise.

Once you've found the right electrician, you can schedule a time for the EICR to be completed. It typically takes between 2 and 4 hours.

The results of the EICR will be sent to you within 28 days following the inspection. You'll have the ability to show this to your local authorities and potential new tenants.