7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your Electrical Safety Certificate

Electrical Certificate For Landlords

Electrical safety inspections and tests are now required for landlords of residential properties in England.

These are referred to as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports). These reports are usually completed by an engineer or another qualified person.

The law

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

The new laws went into force in July 2020 and will apply to all tenancies created or renewed following that date. All rental properties in England must have an electrical safety certificate (EICR) from April 2021.





It's not always straightforward, but. It's a complex document that should only be completed by qualified electricians.

A classification code can also be used to determine the risk level of the wiring installation. This will help you decide if any remedial work is required prior to the inspection. For example when a C3 classification code has been issued, you may need to enhance the wiring system.

But if the electrical installation at your property is in good working order you should be able to demonstrate that reasonable steps were implemented to ensure it's in compliance with safety standards. You should demonstrate that you've attempted to arrange the necessary work, which includes communicating with your tenant and electricians.

You may also prove that you're following regulations by presenting your property for inspection to the local authority. If they find that you're not in compliance with the law's requirements, local authorities can issue you an official notice of intent to impose a fine.

If you're a private landlord looking to learn more about the new regulations, or require assistance on how to meet your legal obligations Contact us. Our team can help explain your obligations as well as provide guidance regarding how to apply for an EICR. We can also assist you to comply with the new regulations and make sure that your rental properties conform to the most current guidelines.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords who wish to let their property to tenants for a time can do this by signing a tenancy agreement. These agreements typically have a set term and cannot be changed by either of the parties. They also state the amount to be paid and the due date.

There are various types of tenancy agreements, depending on the duration of the agreement as well as the type of property being let. They include the term for years of tenancy the periodic tenancy, tenancy at will and the tenancy with sufferance.

Both tenants and landlords must to make the right decision in deciding on the appropriate type of agreement. It's an important balance between the flexibility offered by short-term tenancies which could lead to empty periods and increased advertising costs as well as the security provided by longer-term tenancies that ensure your income.

For landlords, this decision is important because it affects the amount the property can be rented for and how long a tenant is able to stay in the property. Generally, long-term tenancies are more desirable as they provide security for both parties.

An electrical certificate is proof that the electrical system in a house can be used safely. This can save landlords and tenants money in the future. An EICR is valid in the event that the local authority inspects the property. It is also a way to give tenants peace-of-mind because they know that you have taken safety precautions.

It also shields you from being punished if you fail to adhere to the regulations. If a local authorities believes you've not taken reasonable steps to ensure the security of your tenants they will issue a remedial notice to you, requiring you to finish the work required within the specified timeframe or risk an financial penalty.

The regulations apply to new tenancies and existing ones So, you should make the time to schedule an electrical inspection prior to April 2021, if you can. Once you have a valid EICR it will be valid for five years.

Requirements for remedial work

Legally, you're required as a landlord , to ensure that your property is compliant with the requirements of the regulations. This means you must have a valid EICR and getting any necessary repairs done.

You can be fined upto PS30,000 if your home doesn't meet these requirements. Or, the local authority could issue a notice to you, requesting that remedial work be carried in accordance with the regulations.

You must ensure that your property is secure by hiring a qualified electrician to do any repairs. It is also a good idea to ask your tenants to confirm that the person doing the work is an authorized electrician.

When an electrician inspects a home they will make sure that the electrical systems are in compliance with British Standards and are safe for use. This will then result in them issuing a report (usually an EICR) which details the results of their inspection and test.

The report could indicate that the electrical systems have been tested and are safe to continue using, or it may recommend further investigation. Generally, where the report indicates that both C1 and C2 hazards are present, they will need to be secured prior to the tenant moves into.

However even if the report recommends improvement , but does not require further investigation or remedial work to be carried out however, it is advised to complete this work in order to comply with electrical safety standards.

If eicr certificates are a landlord and are uncertain about the condition of your property, you should to contact your agent for letting to discuss what they can do. The letting agent can help to connect with an experienced electrician and arrange for an inspection to be carried out on your property. They can also help you get an EICR and advise on any further works that need to be completed.

Inquiring about 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, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is safe.

An EICR is an evaluation of defects or deterioration, damages, or circumstances that could pose an electrical risk in your home. It also provides suggestions for improvement and assist you to comply with UK law.

The report is available by contacting a reputable electrical contractor. The electrician will inspect your electrical system and examine the overall condition of the installation.

Landlords should make sure that they have an EICR is conducted at least once every five years or following a change in tenancy. It is possible to reduce the frequency according to the property and any unusual circumstances such as flooding or fire.

A professional electrician will be able to give you the best information on what kind of EICR is needed for your particular house depending on the size and usage. The report will be priced by them. You can choose to pay a flat rate, or per circuit.

To maximize the value of 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 certifications are the only way to ensure that you're hiring a reliable and skilled technician to carry out the inspection.

It's a good idea to ask your electrician if they can also provide you with an insurance policy for the work they perform. This will help you to cover any unexpected expenses that could occur.

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

The results of the EICR will be delivered to you within the first 28 days following the inspection. You'll be able to present this to your local authority and potential new tenants.