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EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report
Everything You Need to Know About the EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report
From April 1st 2021 ALL private tenancies, new and existing, must have a current and valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
Mandatory electrical safety inspections, Electrical Installation Condition Report for private landlords were introduced on the 1st April 2020. The new regulations: ‘The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020‘ require regular safety checks to be carried out and the reports made available in all new tenancies after 1st July 2020.
We’ve compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about the EICR (or landlord electrical safety certificate), so if you want to know if you need one; what’s involved; the penalties for non-compliance; and much more, read on.
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It’s a comprehensive inspection of the electrical wiring, sockets, switches, and other electrical components in a property to ensure they are safe and compliant with current regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of what an EICR involves:
Visual inspection: A thorough visual check of all electrical equipment and wiring for signs of damage, wear, or deterioration.
Testing: Electrical tests are conducted to measure the resistance of wiring, check for insulation faults, and ensure that safety devices like fuses and circuit breakers are functioning correctly.
Assessment: The inspector will assess the overall condition of the electrical installation and identify any potential hazards or safety issues.
Recommendations: If any problems are found, the EICR will include recommendations for necessary repairs or improvements to bring the installation up to standard.
Landlords and EICRs: In the UK, landlords are legally required to have an EICR conducted on their rental properties every five years. This helps to ensure the safety of tenants and protect the landlord from legal liability.
Key benefits of an EICR:
* Safety: Identifies potential electrical hazards that could lead to fires or electric shocks.
* Compliance: Ensures that the property complies with current electrical safety regulations.
* Peace of mind: Provides reassurance that the electrical system is safe for occupants.
* Property value: A well-maintained electrical system can enhance the value of a property.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, it’s recommended to have an EICR conducted regularly to ensure the safety of your electrical installation.
FAQs
What happens if my house fails an EICR?
If your EICR grades your installation is ‘Unsatisfactory’ the areas of concern will be clearly categorised as follows:
- C1 – Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required
- C2 – Potentially dangerous – Urgent remedial action required
- C3 – Improvement recommended
- FI – Further investigation required without delay
If you have any C1 and C2 observations they have to be rectified before the installation can be described as ‘Satisfactory’ and the EICR essentially passed.
Anything marked as FI is an area that is not covered by the EICR but the electrician observed something that requires further investigation.
You will need to deal with C1, C2 and FI faults to be compliant with electrical safety regulations. It is good practice to rectify all faults highlighted on the report. It’s important to note that you do not have to use the same electrical contractor to complete any remedial action. You also don’t need to completely re-test the whole installation after the repairs have been carried out. Be sure to obtain a certificate for each part of your installation that has been repaired or replaced.
Category C3 is something that has been identified as non-compliant with the latest regulations but is not dangerous.
Do l need an EICR?
From 1st April 2021, every property rented to private tenants must have an EICR certificate. This includes tenants under Assured Shorthold Tenancy, Licence to Occupy, and a Periodic Tenancy. A Periodic Tenancy is where a rental agreement has expired and neither landlord or tenant has served written notice on each other to end the tenancy and it ‘rolls-over’ into a continuation of the original agreement.
You do not need an EICR if you are:
- Council tenant
- Housing Association tenant
- Lodger (Tenant who lives with their landlord)
What is an EICR?
An EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report (also referred to as a Periodic Inspection Report or Landlord Certificate) is like an electrical MOT for your house. A qualified electrician will inspect and test your electrical circuits and your fixed electrical equipment and provide you with a report that identifies any defects, damage, deterioration or conditions that are, or may become, dangerous. The EICR categorises and rates the findings and makes recommendations for repairs and improvements.
How often is an EICR required?
An EICR is required every 5 years or until a new tenancy begins, whichever comes first. See also the FAQ “Is a Periodic Tenancy a New Tenancy?”
If you have a swimming pool it should be inspected and tested every year.
Whilst an EICR is not required for home owners it is recommended that one is carried out at least every 10 years.