As of the 1st December 2023, the final stages of the new regulations for the rental sector come in to affect, in accordance with the Renting Homes Act (2016). Is your property up to date and inline with the safety regulations? If not, and you would like some guidance, click here to contact us.
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, It confirms whether the electrics in a property are safe, or whether any remedial work is required to make sure the electrics are safe.
During an EICR assessment, an electrician will complete a thorough assessment of all electrics in the property. They’ll complete a visual inspection, as well as a number of other tests, including live testing and dead testing. The light fittings, plug sockets, wiring and fuse box/consumer unit will all be inspected as part of the assessment , as well as connected equipment like showers and extractors. The assessment only covers ‘fixed’ electrics, so appliances like TV’s, fridges and electric ovens are not inspected.
If a landlord fails to provide an EICR, or is in breach of their duties to remedy electrical dangers, they can be fined up to £30,000.
In order to comply with the regulations, landlords must obtain a new EICR every five years, to confirm the ongoing safety of the electrics in the rental property.
Yes, landlords must supply a copy of the EICR to their contract holders. For current occupants this must be supplied within 14 days of the inspection, while any new tenants must be provided with a copy before they move in. Prospective contract holders can also request a copy, which must be supplied within 14 days of the request.