What is an EICR?
EICR is an acronym for electrical installation condition report. It is mandatory document which landlords must obtain for their property. This certificate details the inspection and condition of all electrical installations within a property. It can only be done by an electrician who is qualified.
What does this all mean for Landlords?
It has been the Landlord’s responsibility for ensuring that the electrics within their property are safe. However, they have not had to do this until now. While we understand that this is a double-whammy for Landlords it is important to remember that the new regulation was introduced to ensure the safety of tenants living in tenancy properties.
What regulations are there?
A Landlord must ensure their property has had an electrical test (or EICR) performed before they can enter a new tenancy. The Landlord has 28 days from the date of the test to correct any faults.
All tenancies must have an EICR. Any remedial errors must be corrected within 28 days. Tenants must be given the test and any subsequent remedial certificates.
Keep these things in mind
- The test assigns faults between codes 1 and 4. Codes 1 and 2 are the only codes that need to be addressed.
- An estimated 25% of the wiring is tested by the electricians in the property
- The test is valid for five years. To comply with regulations regarding rented properties, a property that was built after 10 NHBC certification must be tested again five years later.
- The fuse board (which is essentially a replacement for a metal one) and the fire-rated spotlights are two of the most commonly needed items to be upgraded.
- This change in legislation has made electricians very busy. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a test. This should be done at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
