Why do i need an EICR?
On 1 June 2020, new regulations came into force which require landlords to have electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years. Landlords must provide a copy of the report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
Most landlords are proactive when it comes to the safety of their properties and more importantly, their tenants, but a minority fail to ensure their safety, putting their tenants in danger.
The new regulations require landlords to:
- Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met
- Ensure the electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested at least every 5 years
- Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection
- Supply a copy of the report to the tenant within 28 days in the inspection
- Supply a copy of the report to a new tenant before they occupy the property
- Supply the local authority with a copy of the report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy
- Retain a copy of the report to present at the next inspection and test
- Carry our any remedial work within 28 days of the report or a shorter period if advised as necessary in the report
what is involved?
What will be inspected and tested?
The ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property, like the wiring, the socket-outlets (plug sockets), the light fittings and the consumer unit (or fuse box) will be inspected. This will include permanently connected equipment such as showers and extractors.
What will happen in the inspection?
The inspection will find out if:
- any electrical installations are overloaded
- there are any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
- there is any defective electrical work
- there is a lack of earthing or bonding – these are 2 ways of preventing electrical shocks that are built into electrical installations
What about electrical appliances like cookers, fridges, televisions etc?
The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations.
We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice.
Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
See guidance on portable appliance testing (PAT).
Tenants and landlords may consider registering their own electrical appliances with a product registration scheme.
Have more questions?
If you want to know more about the Electrical Inspection & Conditioning Report, please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
Alternatively you can view the guidance on EICR's which has been issued by the UK Government by clicking here.
Remember, it is a legal requirement for landlords to have these inspections done at least every 5 years...The safety of your tenants is VERY important!