Landlords are responsible for making sure the properties they let out are habitable and safe. EICR is a vital part of that responsibility, covering the electrical installation at your property. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at EICR for landlords, including what it is, the benefits of an EICR inspection and your requirements as a landlord.
What is EICR?
Short for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, EICR is a comprehensive report on the condition of a property’s electrical installation. In simple terms, that’s the mains electrical system that powers your home.
As part of an EICR or ‘EIC Report’, a competent and qualified professional will undertake a rigorous inspection of your electric installation, in line with BS7671 standards, including:
- Unsafe wiring, a lack of earthing, or insufficient bonding
- Shock risks or fire hazards
- Overloaded circuits or equipment
- Defective work, including sockets and switches
Any issues they find will be categorised as C1, C2, C3 or FI, depending on the risk they present – with C1 requiring immediate action and C3 simply recommending improvements.
EICR landlord requirements
From April 2021, all landlords are legally required to carry out an EICR every five years as a minimum. You must also have an EICR carried out whenever there is a change of tenancy.
Additionally, you’ll need to supply a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, prospective tenants within 28 days of a request, and new tenants before they occupy the premises. Local authorities can also request your latest EICR report, which must be supplied within seven days.
Finally, any required remedial work outlined in your landlord EICR will need to be completed within 28 days. This can typically be done by the contractor who carried out the EICR.
Why does EICR matter for landlords?
Landlords who do not provide a valid EICR in line with the rules above can be fined up to £30,000. With EICR reports costing a mere fraction of that, it’s well worth your while to keep up with inspections and comply with regulations.
There are also a number of additional benefits to EICR for landlords:
- Cost – Financial penalties aside, EICR is part of a proactive approach to electrical maintenance. Having regular inspections allows you to identify issues earlier and minimise the cost of repairs, with less need for reactive callouts.
- Safety – As a landlord, the safety of your tenants is paramount. EICR is a cornerstone of keeping your property safe, ensuring you’re not liable for any issues which arise while tenants are living there.
- Assurance – Being a landlord can seem like a balancing act. Having an EICR report takes one thing off your list, keeping you compliant and providing assurance that your property is safe.
- Insurance – It’s also worth checking your home insurance policy, as some insurers require an up-to-date EICR to keep your policy valid.
Book an EICR today
Want to make sure your electrical installation is safe and compliant? Doctor Electrical can help. We provide professional, affordable EICR services for landlords across Derby and Nottingham.
Our team of qualified electrical contractors will leave no stone unturned when checking your electrical installation, explaining any faults in plain English and recommending the best course of action.
Should you contract our services for any remedial work recommended in the report, we’ll even issue the original EICR for free. Contact us today to get the ball rolling.