Property and Homes

Electrical Installation Condition Report Updates for Landlords

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document produced by a qualified electrician after completing an assessment of the electrical systems of your rented property.

The electrical installation for your properties as landlords must meet regulated standards in order to ensure safety. Landlords are therefore responsible for ensuring the property they rent out has an electrical installation. It needs to be safe to use by your tenants throughout their tenancy.

What's new with Electrical Installation Condition Reports

Prior to June 2020, it wasn’t a requirement for landlords to get the Electrical Installation Condition Report. However, after June 2020, new Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected at least every 5 years.

The new Regulations apply to all new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and for existing tenancies, from 1 April 2021.

Electrical Installation Condition Report

The government can impose large fines and possible prison sentences if you do not have an EICR. It is also not enough to say you were not aware you had to have a report done.

What happens when I don’t have my electrical system tested out?

Aside from the EICR, as landlords, there are several health and safety laws you have to abide by. Failure to fulfil those legal duties puts you at risk of claims of negligence or damage.

The EICR is also important when it comes to insurance. You need to be confident that your insurer will cover potential damages to your property caused by electrical faults.

What happens if I don't pass the EICR?

If your EICR report reveals issues with your electrical system, the results will come out as “Unsatisfactory,”. This means you will need to undertake some remedial work. The qualified electrician should provide you with a list of what should be done and a fixed price quote.

You will need to resolve any electrical issues within 28 days, beginning with the day when you received the recommendation from the qualified electrician.

Need more help?

More information about how to carry out the checks is available online at www.gov.uk.

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