What is an EICR?

EICR’s (Electrical Installation Condition Report’s) have 5 main aims;

1. Record the results of the inspection and testing to make sure the electrical installation is safe to be used until the next inspection (following any work needed to make it safe)
2. Find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and report it
3. Find any parts of the electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations
4. Help find anything that may cause potential electric shocks and damage from high temperatures
5. Provide an important record of the installation at the time of the inspection, for inspection and testing in the future.

Do I have to have an EICR for my commercial or domestic rented property?

Several pieces of UK electrical safety legislation are relevant to commercial and domestic landlords. The Landlords and Tenants Act of 1985 contains clauses on electrical safety in rented commercial property. According to Section 8, Subsections a) and b) of the Act, the electrical installation in the property must be:

• Safe at the beginning of the tenancy
• Maintained in a safe condition for the entire duration of the tenancy

The simplest way of ensuring compliance is to have an EICR conducted on your property.

What’s changing?

ECIRs will become mandatory for privately rented properties in England. Every domestic rented property being let will require a full EICR upon rental of that property. This applies for every change of tenant.

When will this take effect?

These new regulations are to come into force on the 1st of June 2020.

Any existing property let, that does not have a current EICR will require one by the 1st of April 2021.

I have an existing EICR & tenant, do I require a new EICR?

If your property has an existing EICR, an existing tenant and the EICR is in date then you will only need a new EICR once the report has lapsed from the last inspection, if you do not have an EICR you must have one by the 1st of April 2021 or if you have a change in tenancy.

What happens if I don’t get an EICR for my property?

Your local housing authority will have the power to impose fines of up to £30,000 to landlords who it believes are in breach of their legal responsibilities. In addition, if remedial action is required from the EICR which is not acted on, then the local authority can take action themselves and charge the cost to the landlord. 

How can ‘Epic’ help?

Our electricians are qualified to relevant BS 7671 standards and have years of experience. Epic is an NICEIC Approved contractor giving them the competence to carry out an EICR on your property and systems in place to remind you when your report is due, with the exception of change of tenancy.

NICEIC produce a factsheet for homeowners which can be downloaded here:

https://www.niceic.com/www.niceic.com/media/PDF/FactSheet-Electrics-A4-4pp.pdf

Full details of the change of regulations can be found here;

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2020/9780111191934

If you are a Landlord and have any questions or require an EICR, get in touch with us today.