As a landlord in the UK, it is your moral duty and legal responsibility to ensure your tenant’s safety. Electrical safety is one of the most critical areas of this responsibility, and the Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, or, as it is officially called, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is crucial. This blog post offers a complete overview of Landlord Electrical Safety Certificates, from their legal obligations to what they cover and how landlords can remain compliant.
Legal Requirements for Landlord Electrical Safety Certificates
The UK government has ensured that landlords have a legal obligation to ensure electrical safety in their rented properties. This implies that all wiring and electrical appliances should be in good condition. Landlords must have all electrical installations in their rented premises inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years. These measures were enforced for existing tenancies in July 2020 and all tenancies from April 2021.
The Current Electrical Safety Regulations
The current electrical safety regulations legally required by landlords include:
- Ensuring electrics in rental properties are inspected and tested at least every 5 years.
- Requesting a report from the electrician performing the test, stating when the next test and inspection will be due.
- Providing the existing tenant with a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection and test.
- Providing a copy of the report to a new tenant before they occupy the property.
- Providing a copy of the report to any potential tenant within 28 days of a request being received for the report.
- Providing a copy of the report to the local authority within 7 days of a request being received.
- Keeping a copy of the report for giving to the subsequent person inspecting and testing the property’s electrics.
- Ensuring that any investigative or remedial work required is accomplished within 28 days or less if specified by the report.
- Providing written confirmation from the electrician to the tenant and local authority upon completion of any remedial works necessary.
What is a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)?
A Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, or EICR, confirms the outcomes of electrical tests on a rental property. It assesses the condition of the electrical installations in a property and identifies any potential hazards. The EICR will show whether the electrics and electrical installation are safe to use or if any investigative or remedial work is needed.
What Does the Inspection Involve?
An electrical safety check includes testing and inspecting the rental property’s fittings, appliances, and wiring. The check will usually start with a visual inspection of the electrical fittings. The electrician then checks the fuse box, sockets, wire, and light fittings for any apparent wear and tear, closely looking for frayed leads, burn marks, or loose connections that can be hazardous.
They also check that the electrical installation meets current safety standards, including proper earthing and bonding, and that residual current devices (RCDs) are installed to offer additional protection. They also check the electrical certificates and previous inspection reports to identify any issues or areas for maintenance.
Electrical installations include light fittings, wiring, fuse boxes, and plug sockets. Over time, these can become worn and crack, increasing the danger of electric shocks and causing fires.
How to Get a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate?
Landlords must have a competent and certified electrician check the electrical installations in their rental properties to obtain a Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate.
Steps to Follow:
- Hire a Qualified Electrician: Look for a registered electrician specialising in performing EICRs.
- Schedule the Inspection: Schedule a proper time for the electrician to conduct the inspection.
- Get Ready for the Inspection: Ensure the electrician can access the property, including the fuse box, wires, sockets, and light fixtures.
- Get the EICR: Following the inspection, the electrician will issue an EICR, which reports the state of the electrical installations and any required remedial work.
- Carry Out Remedial Work: If the EICR detects any faults, repair or replace them within 288 days or less, as specified in the report.
- Provide Documentation: Within 28 days of the inspection, give a copy of the EICR to the existing tenant, to a new tenant before they enter the property, and to the local authority within 7 days upon request.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Landlords who do not have an updated EICR certificate for the rented property can receive the following penalties:
- Fines: Fines are issued by local authorities for non-compliance.
- Invalidation of Insurance: Non-compliance can invalidate landlord insurance policies.
- Legal Action: Landlords may face legal action by tenants injured or damaged by electrical hazards.
Tips to Make Properties Safe
- Visual Checks: Conduct visual checks of the property annually and/or between tenancies.
- Appliance Registration: Register any appliances provided as part of the agreement with the manufacturer and advise tenants to do the same with any appliances they introduce into the property.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect electrical installations, including replacing faulty sockets or light fittings.
- Use Registered Electricians: Use a registered electrician for any electrical work on the property.
The Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate is the UK legal mandate for rental units. Landlords can protect tenants and reduce liability by keeping electrical installations safe and compliant. Maintenance, inspection, and compliance with electrical safety regulations are essential to securing a safe housing condition for the tenants and avoiding the consequences of non-compliance.
Electrical Test & Trace Ltd: Your Reliable EICR Solutions
Electrical Test & Trace Ltd provides expert EICR services, making your property’s electrical systems safe and compliant. Our highly experienced engineers perform in-depth inspections, detecting possible risks and areas for improvement.We offer careful inspections of everything from wiring to distribution systems. At competitive rates, we provide electrical safety for every homeowner. By hiring us, you invest in the reliability and well-being of your building and its tenants, gaining assurance that your electrics are always up to standards.