An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is essential for verifying that all electrical installations within a property are safe and in proper working order.
In 2020, local authorities gained the power to fine landlords who failed to meet electrical safety standards.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 were introduced nationwide to enforce these safety standards, enabling councils to request reports following property inspections.
These reports provide authorities with a comprehensive assessment of the electrical installation, allowing them to determine whether landlords are compliant with the regulations.
On 11th April this year, a landlord became the first to be fined under the new regulations for failing to comply with these standards.
In this particular case, the landlord’s failure to provide an EICR certificate within the required timeframe resulted in Coventry City Council imposing a £1,600 fine.
According to the regulations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be provided to the council within seven days. In this instance, the EICR should have been completed by a qualified electrician by 1st April to confirm the safety of the electrical installation.
Under these regulations, a copy of the EICR should also have been provided to the tenant. However, neither was supplied.
Adrian Chowns, Property Licensing and Housing Enforcement Manager for Coventry Council, commented: “We believe this is the first instance of these powers being used by a local authority in England. It highlights Coventry City Council’s proactive approach to enforcement and its commitment to tackling rogue landlords in the city.”
For industry professionals, electrical installation condition reports are standard practice and are widely recognized for ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards. However, for newcomers, particularly first-time landlords, the rules and regulations surrounding EICRs can sometimes be overlooked.
What is an EICR? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) involves the inspection and testing of an electrical installation to ensure it is safe for tenants, property owners, and occupants. The EICR is designed to identify key aspects such as:
- The overall integrity of the electrical system
- Damage to components like sockets and switches
- Compliance with relevant safety regulations
An EICR, also known as a periodic inspection report, provides a detailed account of the condition of an electrical installation. This report is vital for assessing safety and identifying risks, allowing for the resolution of any issues and the implementation of safety measures, particularly before any necessary remedial work is carried out.
In rental properties, if an EICR reveals non-compliance with safety regulations, the landlord could face fines of up to £30,000.
For homeowners, while an EICR certificate is not legally required, it is advisable to have an electrical inspection at least every ten years if the property is privately owned.
Who is authorized to carry out an electrical inspection? Landlords are required by regulations to have their properties inspected and tested by a “qualified and competent” individual every five years. To assist landlords in finding the right professional, the government has provided detailed guidelines on locating certified electrical safety experts.
Landlords can use resources like the Competent Person Scheme to find registered electrical inspectors and testers. While registration in the scheme is not mandatory, many professionals choose to join to increase their visibility.
When choosing an inspector, landlords should ask the following questions to ensure they are hiring the right expert:
- Is the inspector a member of the Competent Person Scheme?
- How much experience do they have?
- Do they carry adequate insurance?
- What qualifications do they possess?
- Are their qualifications up-to-date with the latest regulations?
What do the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require? Landlords of privately rented properties must:
- Comply with national electrical safety standards as outlined in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’ (British Standard 7671).
- Ensure that electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.
- Obtain a report from the inspector detailing the inspection results and the date for the next inspection.
- Provide a copy of this report to the current tenant within 28 days of the inspection.
- Provide a copy of the report to a new tenant before they move in.
- Provide a copy of the report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request.
- Provide a copy of the report to the local authority within seven days if requested.
- Retain a copy of the report for the inspector who will carry out the next inspection.
- Complete any necessary remedial or further investigative work within 28 days, or sooner if specified in the report.
- Provide written confirmation of the completed remedial work to both the tenant and the local authority within 28 days.
Do I need to schedule another EICR if the first one is unsatisfactory? If the initial EICR is unsatisfactory, you are not required to have a new one conducted immediately. Instead, you must ensure that any necessary repairs or further investigations are completed within 28 days, unless the report specifies a different timeframe. Additionally, you should obtain written confirmation from each electrician who performs follow-up work to confirm that all required work has been completed.
Do landlords need a new EICR when new tenants move in? An EICR is valid for five years for landlords, although it may be valid for a shorter period if the inspector deems it necessary. Landlords are required to obtain a new certificate every five years to ensure and demonstrate electrical safety to tenants. Generally, a change of tenant does not invalidate the EICR.
What does the EICR report show? The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) evaluates the safety of the electrical system in the property. It will indicate whether the electrical installations are safe for ongoing use.
If the report does not indicate that remedial work or further investigation is needed, the electrical system is considered safe, and no additional actions are required from the landlord.
The report uses four classification codes to highlight the necessary actions:
- Code 1 (C1): Immediate danger present with a risk of injury. The inspector may address these hazards on-site.
- Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous conditions.
- Further Investigation (FI): Requires prompt further investigation.
- Code 3 (C3): Improvement is recommended, but no immediate remedial work is necessary for the report to be satisfactory.
These codes, often included in modern electrical safety reporting software, help landlords understand the condition of their electrical systems. Codes 1 (C1) and 2 (C2), or a requirement for Further Investigation (FI), indicate that the installation is not safe for continued use and needs repairs before a safety certificate can be issued.
How to Obtain an Electrical Safety Test Certificate: A Guide to EICR Electrical systems are often out of sight and out of mind, but that doesn’t mean they’re free from issues. Over time, the wiring behind your outlets, sockets, and light fittings can degrade, even if no immediate problems are visible.
For landlords, having a valid electrical safety test certificate is not just good practice but a legal requirement. This certificate is issued following an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
In this guide, we’ll explain what an EICR is, who needs one, how often it should be done, and what you can expect from the process.
Understanding the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection of a property’s fixed electrical wiring. Unlike Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), which focuses on portable devices, an EICR evaluates the safety and condition of the wiring embedded in walls and connected to outlets.
Who can perform an EICR? An EICR must be conducted by a qualified and competent electrician who is registered with a recognized scheme provider like NICEIC or NAPIT. These professionals have the expertise to thoroughly inspect the electrical system, identify any issues, and recommend necessary repairs.
What the EICR covers:
- Consumer units (fuse boxes/boards)
- Protective bonding
- Lighting
- Switches
- Sockets
The EICR Process:
- Dead Testing: The electrician will temporarily cut power to each circuit to take safety readings.
- Live Testing: This checks the condition of the components and ensures that the system will quickly disconnect in case of a fault.
- Inspection: The electrician will visually and physically examine the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, lights, and other fixtures. They will test a sample of outlets on each circuit and test additional ones if problems are found.
An EICR typically takes between one and four hours, depending on the property’s size, the number of circuits, and accessibility. Providing previous EICR information can help streamline the process.
Why an EICR is Essential: An EICR is crucial for ensuring the electrical safety of a property. For landlords, having a valid electrical safety certificate is a legal requirement, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines of up to £30,000. Additionally, unresolved faults can result in notices and mandatory repairs by local authorities.
Homeowners are also advised to have regular EICRs to ensure ongoing safety and compliance. Without a valid EICR, homeowners may face liability for damage caused by faulty wiring and potential issues with insurance claims.
How Often Should an EICR Be Done? For rental properties, an EICR is legally required every five years. Homeowners are not legally obliged to have regular EICRs, but it is recommended to have one every five years. If significant changes occur in the property, such as frequent tenant turnover or major DIY projects, a new EICR may be necessary.
Preparing for an EICR:
- Hire a qualified electrician with experience in EICRs.
- Understand the relevant electrical safety regulations.
- Be aware of your insurance responsibilities.
- Provide a copy of any previous EICRs, if available.
- Ensure access to all necessary areas, including lofts and outbuildings, and move furniture if needed.
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