You might not be aware that there was a new law in England that took effect back in April 2021 concerning rental properties.
You are also under obligation to get the landlord electrical safety certificate if you are a landlord of any building.
However, if you do not have a landlord electrical safety certificate or EICR certificate at the present moment, you need to arrange it.
New electrical safety standards for Landlords in the UK rental properties were implemented in June 2020 and have applied to all tenancies since April 2021.
Here you will find a summary of the rules, regulations, and what you have to do in case electrical installations of a rented property do not conform with the regulations.
So if anyone searching ‘landlord electrical safety certificate near me’, then this is all about it.
What is an EICR Certificate?
EICR is an abbreviation for Electrical Installation Condition Report and is given after the Electrical Installation Check has been conducted and all the damages have been repaired.
The electrical installation check is done in detail on the property before the electrician can issue the final electrical safety certificate.
In this process of assessment, safety, and efficiency require that the main electrical power supply be turned off and work be conducted on the electrically related circuits that are under evaluation.
It must be done by a licensed electrician with practical experience and, preferably, a specific understanding of electrical construction.
A large property could take several hours or even a whole day for the electrical installation check to be completed.
Kindly be advised that the final electrical safety certificate shall be issued only after all the repair works (if necessary) are done.
If you need further help with any details on the electrical certificate, visit All Landlord Certificates!
What is the law on EICR?
EICR laws in England require all private landlords to:
This should preferably be carried out at least once every five years by a reputed agency.
Request the assessor who did the check to provide a summary of the findings of the check and when the next check should be conducted.
Make copies of the report and deliver a copy of the same to every renter within 28 days after the inspection is completed.
Hand over their copy of the report to the local authority the following working week upon receiving their request to view the report.
Make a photocopy of the report and give a copy to the assessor during the next visitation.
New tenants should be given copies of the report on the date of signing the tenancy agreement, and any other tenant should be given a copy on their request within thirty days.
Is EICR Compulsory for Landlords? An Extensive Guide to the Regulations
Of course, as a private landlord, you know many rules and regulations that are related to EICRs, and their main aim is to ensure the protection of the people living in the rented premises. The law has vested many legal concerns and obligations on landlords regarding their premises, which we will look at as follows:
Legal Requirements for Landlords – What Are The EICR Rules For Landlords
But, going further, it creates some important points as a landlord that you want to be confused about the legal state of the EICR. The objective of the new law was to safeguard the occupants through a compulsory examination and risk assessment of all the electrical systems in the rented houses. Below is a summary of its main arguments.
Read More: EICR Test Procedure – What Happens During The Test in the UK?
Mandatory EICR
Landlords are legally required to conduct an EICR Certificate Rules & Requirements for Landlords in the UK every five years. This includes all private landowners in England. The EICR must be completed by a certified expert who will extensively check the property’s electrical installations and identify any potential safety hazards.
New and Existing Tenancies
The laws began with new tenancies on July 1, 2020, for new tenancies and from April 1, 2021, for existing tenancies. That is to say that you should do an EICR even if you have long-term tenants. It must be provided to new residents of the premises before occupying the dwelling and to other tenants within one month of the assessment.
Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs)
EICR requirements apply to HMOs. If the HMO property is the tenant’s primary residence and they pay rent, the same EICR rules apply.
New Buildings or Rewired Properties
Electrical Installation Certificates Report (EICR) are issued where the property is ‘new build’ or where a full rewire has been conducted. Then, in the following year, an EICR will be necessary for the property, provided the landlord has complied with all the standard regulations.
How long does an EICR certificate last?
Once completed, the EICR is valid for up to five years.
Following this period, you must renew the report, ensuring that any existing renters receive a copy of the new certificate within 28 days.
Book your EICR or PAT with us today and rest certain that you have completed your duty to ensure the safety of your property.
Consequences for the Law of Non-Compliance
Noncompliance with these regulations may result in severe legal ramifications
Penalties
Any landlord who fails to produce documentation showing they have complied with a request from a local authority to undertake an EICR report may be liable for a fine of up to £30,000. However, if there are certain reasons to believe that a landlord disregards the rules, the local government can provide a remediation notice and pursue the obligations. The local authority may arrange for repair works to be carried out and recover the costs from the landlord if the landlord fails to heed the remedial notice.
Invalid Insurance
Non-compliance with the EICR standards may lead to the cancellation of a property insurance policy. This means that even the ‘insured’ could be at the receiving end in the event of an electrical disaster. For their policies to cover rental homes, several insurance companies demand documentation of an EICR.
Legal Liability
A landlord can be legally compelled to justify any electrical calamity arising from failure to conform to the provisions of the EICR. Besides fines, it may result in other charges on top of the fines and possible legal proceedings against the perpetrators involved. Worst of all, if a tenant is injured or dies as a result of having defective electrical parts, landlords are now open to criminal charges.
How much does an EICR cost?
An EICR might cost anywhere from £125 to over £300, depending on the size of your rental property.
The cost may also vary depending on how old the wiring is on your property. The price covers both the inspection itself and the hire of a qualified electrician to do the inspection.
If a report is found to be subpar, extra money will be needed for any necessary corrective action.
Landlord electrical safety certificates near you
If you are looking for a reliable, high-quality, and professional company to carry out your electrical safety certificate inspection in the UK, All Landlord Certificates LTD (ALC) is here to help.
All Landlord Certificates LTD (ALC) has consistently delivered unparalleled service in the realm of domestic and commercial electrical safety certificates. Our team of certified professionals brings a blend of experience, dedication, and local expertise, ensuring that property owners, tenants, and businesses always give you peace of mind.
So Get your Landlord Certificate Today with us and Take a step towards a safer tomorrow.
Final Words
Failing to meet the rules set under the EICR Certificate Rules & Requirements for Landlords in the UK is not only a violation of the law on the part of the landlord, but it will also endanger the lives of your tenants.
By following all these regulations, one can avoid legal and financial repercussions, and the residents of the premises will live in a safe environment.
Read More: Stay informed with the latest regulations!
