What’s an EICR?
Angela Ellis
It’s an Electrical Installation Condition Report and, as the name suggests, it’s a report on the condition of electrical installations. It was previously called a Periodic Inspection and is now sometimes referred to as a Landlord Safety Test.
With the introduction of Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, it requires landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years. The regulations came into force on 1 June 2020. The intention was to improve safety in all residential premises and particularly in the private rented sector.
If you’re a landlord and your rented property hasn’t had an EICR in the last 5 years, it’s highly likely you need to get one done and very soon! Local authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their duties.
Starting a new tenancy?
If the new tenancy is one that was granted on or after 1 June 2020, you definitely need one for that property. In fact, you must supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
Have a tenancy in place?
All existing tenancies will need to have that report carried out before the 1 April 2021 deadline. Your tenant must have received a copy of that electrical safety report within 28 days of the inspection.
Renewing a tenancy?
All renewing tenancies or where they are on a periodic basis following expiry of the fixed term notice will need to have the report carried out before the current tenancy expires. Your tenant must have received a copy of that electrical safety report within 28 days of the inspection.
Whether you’re a landlord of ours or not, we can still arrange for a qualified and competent registered electrician to carry out the EICR for you. Please contact our Property Management team to organise that.
Once the EICR has been carried out, it will highlight any remedial or further investigative work which is necessary. That work should be completed this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
For full details for the legislation and your responsibilities as a landlord, visit Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.