Why Landlords Need an EICR
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a property, an EICR is essential for peace of mind. It ensures that the electrical installation in a property meets UK safety standards.
It is a legal requirement for landlords to get an EICR every five years. It is also recommended for homeowners to have one.web design dundee
What is an EICR?
A EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is an inspection and test of your electrical system. The test checks the safety of your electrics and is carried out by a fully qualified electrician. Your electrician will disconnect the power from your building and then carry out a series of tests to check that your electrical systems are safe. This involves checking the condition of the wiring, fuse boxes and switches, and all other aspects of your electrics.free Article Services
During the test, your electrician will look for things like damage to cables, sockets or fittings. They will also look at the earthing and bonding arrangements, which help to prevent electric shocks. They will also carry out a number of live and dead tests, which involve testing the circuits in your building, either with their power on or off. They will record any issues they find and then create a full report which you can keep as proof of your compliance with the law.
It is generally recommended that you have your EICR test done every five years. However, if you have any major issues that need to be fixed, your contractor may recommend having an EICR done more frequently. You should have a copy of your EICR document available for any new tenants, so that you can show them that your electrical system has been tested and is safe to use.
EICRs are legally required for landlords of rented properties in England and Wales. They must be conducted by a fully qualified electrician and must be recorded in an official report. Landlords who do not have an EICR in place can face fines of up to PS5,000. Regular EICRs can be a good way for landlords to enhance their reputation as responsible landlords, and may help them attract more tenants. They can also satisfy requirements of insurance providers and mortgage lenders, and provide evidence for letting agents.
The EICR is a formal document that can only be issued by a fully qualified electrician or approved electrical contractor. They must have completed a course on periodic inspection and testing, are registered with the JIB or a recognised scheme provider such as NICEIC, and have extensive knowledge of electrical installations.
How do I get an EICR?
If you’re a landlord, it’s your legal obligation to secure an EICR for your rental property at least once every five years. This inspection will help you identify any damage, breakdowns and faults on your electrical system and make sure it’s safe for tenants to live in. It’s also important for your own safety and to maintain compliance with electrical regulations. If you have a rental property that’s in need of an EICR, you can hire a professional electrician to conduct the inspection and give you the certificate you need.
It’s best to schedule an appointment with a qualified electrician, as this will help minimise any issues that may arise during the inspection. If possible, it’s also a good idea to conduct a preliminary inspection of your wiring and appliances before the contractor arrives. This will help you find any problems and fix them before they get worse. Additionally, it will ensure that the contractor can test all of your electrics during the inspection.
An EICR is similar to an EPC, but it’s specific to the electricity within your property. An EPC is more general and covers the energy performance of your building, including tips on how to save energy.
In addition to the EICR, you’ll also need to get a Minor Electrical Certificate (MECA) for any minor installations you’ve done. These are usually things like additional plug sockets or light switches in a domestic dwelling. The cost of a MECA is typically less than that of an EICR, and it’s valid for five years.
Once you’ve obtained an EICR, you should make sure to provide your tenants with a copy before they move in and within 28 days of any inspection or renewal. It’s also a good idea to communicate with your tenants and keep them updated on your electrical safety measures, so they feel informed and comfortable living in your rental property.
If you don’t have an EICR, it can be difficult to sell your property, as prospective buyers will be concerned about the safety of the electrical system. You can avoid this problem by ensuring that you get an EICR completed before you put your home on the market.
Why do I need an EICR?
Electrical installations will degrade over time and can start to cause problems. These can range from minor issues such as a device not working, to more serious problems like fire or electrocution. It is important that these devices are regularly monitored to identify and rectify any issues before they become a risk to the people using them. For this reason, an EICR is recommended for all buildings that are being used by tenants. Landlords will be required to have an EICR before letting a property and will also need to have one carried out whenever there is a change of tenant.
An EICR is a highly specialist test that should only be undertaken by a fully qualified electrician. Before the test begins the electrician will disconnect all power to the electrical system and then analyse it for safety and compliance, paying particular attention to any signs of deterioration. They will then compare the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations – BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations.
Any issues found during the EICR will be marked on a report with a code. These codes indicate how serious the issue is and what action needs to be taken to resolve it. For example, a code of C1 means that there is a clear danger and the electrician will need to make the situation safe immediately. A code of C2 indicates that there is a potential danger but further investigation is needed before the risk can be assessed.
Depending on the findings of an EICR, some circuits may not be able to be tested. This is particularly common with older properties that have not been rewired. In these cases, an electrical engineer will include a note on the EICR report explaining what is and is not possible to test.
Landlords are required to have an EICR conducted on their rental properties as part of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2021. They are also required to provide a copy of this report to new tenants before they move in. If a landlord fails to have an EICR completed, they can be fined up to £30,000.
How much does an EICR cost?
Getting an EICR is not only a legal requirement for landlords but also helps ensure your tenants can live in a safe and comfortable environment. Hundreds of people are injured each year from fires, electric shocks and other dangers from electrical systems that are not properly maintained or tested. This is why it is so important to follow UK laws and other safety recommendations, especially if you are a landlord.
During an EICR inspection, your contractor will conduct a visual assessment and note any problems that can be easily seen. This will help minimise any issues that might be missed during the actual test and inspection. They will then disconnect your consumer unit (fuse box), switch gear and switches, sockets, light fittings and wiring to examine each individual circuit. They will look for any signs of deterioration and check the wiring system against BS7671. They will also examine the earthing and bonding arrangements, which prevent electricity from leaking onto floors or other surfaces, where it could cause electric shocks.
Once the electrician has finished testing, they will write up their findings and issue you with a certificate. You should keep this in a safe place so that you can refer back to it when needed. If there are any faults or deterioration found, the electrician will recommend specific repairs to bring your property up to standard. They will also advise you when your next EICR will be due.
It is recommended that you get an EICR carried out in a domestic property every ten years. This is because most homeowners tend to take more care of their home electrical systems and equipment, so they will need less maintenance than a commercial or rental property.
You should also get an EICR carried out if you are considering selling your home. This will give potential buyers peace of mind that your home has been professionally inspected and is free from any major faults. It will also help to boost your buyer’s confidence in you as a seller, which may increase the likelihood of a sale.
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