10/06/2021
ā
EICR Landlord ā electrical safety checks for landlords ā the rulesāļøāļø
Do you rent out residential property? If so, you need to know about the new rules concerning EICR landlords ā electrical safety checks for landlords.
New legislation means a āqualified personā has to test all fixed wiring every five years. If you are renting out a property in England, this applies to any tenancy you create or renew on or after July 1st 2020. This includes statutory periodic tenancies that are created at the end of a fixed term on or after this date.
For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have had an EICR performed before April 1st 2021.
So if you are letting any property now and have not had an EICR carried out on it then you are in breach of the regulations.
1. Who can perform electrical safety checks for landlords?
Electrical safety checks for landlords need to be undertaken by a āqualified personā. As youād expect, this means a fully qualified electrician. If you donāt already use one best ask around for recommendations.
2. What do electrical inspections for rental property involve?
Your electrician needs to inspect and test any āfixed electrical installationā. This means any wiring, machinery or components that are fixed to the building. This definition includes things like power sockets, ceiling lights, wall switches, fuse boxes and the like.
However, it does not include portable appliances like computers, kettles and washing machines. If you provide tenants with appliances, itās wise to get them PAT tested at regular intervals. Itās not a legal requirement, but the law does say you have to maintain appliances in a safe condition. PAT testing shows you take this seriously.
3. What happens after the inspection?
After the inspection, your electrician should provide you with a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). If it says you need to undertake improvement work, you need to get this done within 28 days. Again, thereās going to be a huge demand for qualified electricians from April, so get your testing done now if you can.
Once you have the report, you also have to provide it to existing tenants within 28 days. If a prospective tenant asks for it, you need to supply it within the same timeframe. You must give a copy to all new tenants before they move in.
Also, if a local authority asks for a report, you must provide it within 7 days. You also need to give a copy to the next person who conducts an electrical inspection ā so donāt lose it!
4. EICR Landlords ā who do I need to give copies of the EICR to?
To all tenants of the property
Replacement reports must be given to them within 28 days of the Inspection.
If an existing tenant or a prospective tenant requests a copy this must be provided within 28 days
If a Local Authority requests a copy it must be provided within 7 days to avoid a penalty
5. EICR Landlords ā what happens if I donāt comply?
If you breach the new regulations, the local authority can take action against you. As a first step, it can serve a āremedial noticeā on you. This gives you 28 days to make required improvements or 21 days to object.
When you donāt comply with this, the authority can access your property (with tenantsā permission) and do the remedial work themselves. You will receive notice that this is going to happen, plus a bill after the improvements are made. Local authorities are likely to act quickly if improvements are urgent, so make sure you get them done without delay.
Itās worth noting that you can be fined up to Ā£30,000 for each breach of the new regulations. Rather than risk such a big dent in your finances, youād be much better off talking to an electrician today. If you donāt currently use one, you can find a registered and approved tradesperson here.
Check out our dedicated website section for BTL Landlords which highlights many other matters to consider and explains how we can be of help.
