Is EICR legal requirement for Landlords

What is an EICR?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a report that assesses the safety and condition of an electrical installation. It is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to have an EICR carried out on their property every five years. An EICR will identify any potential electrical hazards and make recommendations for any remedial work that may need to be carried out. This work may be required to bring the installation up to current standards, or to make it safe.

This article will explain what an EICR is, is EICR legal requirement for landlords and how it can benefit both landlords and tenants.

Is EICR legal requirement for Landlords?

It is the duty of the landlord to see that a rental property is safe for tenants to use by having an electrical safety certificate proving compliance with electrical safety regulations. All landlords will be required by law to possess this electrical installation certificate. If the tenant, managing agency, or local government requests it, they must be able to deliver information within 30 days.

Having an EICR carried out is a vital part of being a responsible landlord. If you are found to have an unsafe electrical installation, you could be liable for prosecution. So, if you’re a landlord in the UK, make sure you get an EICR carried out every five years – it could save lives!

If renters, managing agents, or local authorities want one, an EICR must be accessible. To comply with health and safety regulations, it is essential for commercial units to ensure the electrical safety of a facility. Electrical Installation Condition Reports are a quick and easy approach to keep renters, employees, and the general public safe, whether the property is residential or commercial.

Depending on the type of property you live in, the cost of the report will change. A studio apartment will be less expensive than a separate home, for instance. The best course of action is to get in touch with us and provide us with some information about your property so that we can put up a quote for you.

What will happen if you don’t obtain EICR?

We acknowledge that it has been some time since this was implemented, but if you are a landlord and have not yet obtained an EICR for your home, you may be held responsible for any electrical problems that go undetected and may result in a fine of up to £30,000.

The local government will impose these fines, and it also has the ability to do any necessary emergency work on the property with the tenant’s consent. The landlord will be responsible for paying the expenses of any work done by the authorities.

What does it include?

An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It assesses the safety of an electrical installation and identifies any areas that need improvement. An EICR is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK.

Are there any exceptions?

There are a few exceptions to the EICR requirements for property owners in the UK. If your property is a listed building, or if you are a registered social landlord, you may not be required to have an EICR. Additionally, if your tenancy started before 1 October 2015, you may not be required to have an EICR.

When do you need an ElCR?

There is no legal requirement for landlords in the UK to have an EICR, but it is highly recommended. An EICR is an electrical safety check that should be carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician. It will ensure that your property meets all the current safety standards and that any electrical hazards are identified and rectified.

Legal Requirements for Electrical Installation in UK

For some, the EICR regulatory requirements in UK and Wales are slightly hazy. The legislation gives landlords access to electrical certifications as a way to demonstrate that new equipment is safe to use. Having said that, there is no mandate from the law to have this examined frequently.

However, there are several pieces of legislation that contradict this. This is especially evident if a house has poor electrical systems. Tenant and landlord obligations place a burden on landlords to supply functional and safe electrical equipment. Additionally, this guarantees that landlords will address concerns with upkeep and repairs. EICR reports and landlord insurance have both grown increasingly commonplace. They ask for this to make sure the renter won’t be in danger from the electrics.

How often should an EICR be carried out?

As a landlord, you are legally required to have an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out every five years. This report assesses the condition of your property’s electrical installation and highlights any areas that need to be rectified. Failure to have an EICR carried out could invalidate your insurance and put your tenants at risk.

Who can carry out an EICR?

In the UK, any qualified electrician can carry out an EICR. However, it is advisable to use a registered electrician who is a member of a scheme such as NICEIC, ELECSA or ECA. This will give you peace of mind that the electrician is competent and has the necessary insurance in place.

You have a responsibility as a landlord to engage the right experienced tradespeople for your upkeep. You could be held accountable if you can’t prove you gave the right trading instructions.

Are EICRs required to rent out newly built properties?

Yes, an electrical installation certificate is required for newly constructed residences (EIC).

If renters and the local authorities ask for an EIC, it can be given to them, and after that, no more checks are necessary for five years from the EIC’s issue date.

Conclusion

In the UK, there is no legal requirement for landlords to have an EICR certificate. However, it is always best practice to have one in order to ensure that your property is safe and up to standard. An EICR certificate can also help you avoid potential problems down the line, so it’s definitely worth getting one if you’re a landlord in the UK.