EICR Test

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a certificate that outlines the condition, quality and safety of all electrical installations and fittings in your property. As of 1st April 2021, an EICR test is mandatory for all new tenancies, new and existing. This article will outline key information that will enable you to understand the importance of an EICR test, what is involved in the process and what happens if an EICR test is not carried out as required. 

Electrical safety checks for rental properties ensure that properties and their tenants are protected. Although many landlords already comply with the mentioned procedure and ensure that the best electrical practices are enforced on their properties, some may not. 

What does the EICR certificate mean for landlords?

The EICR regulations detail the duties of the landlord when it comes to electrical safety and standards in the home. 

These are compulsory for all private landlords in England and consist of these main points:

• The EICR test ensures that the electrical standard and safety level in occupied rented properties is met. 
• It also ensures that all electrical installations in the rented property are inspected regularly by a qualified professional. Regular intervals often refer to testing every five years, unless an EICR test requires it to be done sooner. 
• Next, the landlord should obtain a report from the qualified professional carrying out the inspection. This report will list the result of the EICR test as well as the date of the next inspection. 
• The landlord is required to supply a copy of the EICR test to all existing tenants in the property within 28 days of the inspection.
• The landlord is required to provide a copy of the report to the local housing authority within 7 days, once it has been requested by the authority. 
• A copy of the report should be kept to then be given to the qualified person carrying out the inspection and test next time. 
• The landlord has to be able to provide the most recent copy of the EICR test to new tenants as well as prospective tenants who request to see it.

What does an EICR test involve?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports have to be carried out by a registered and fully qualified engineer.

• During an EICR test the qualified professional will look for and potential electric shock risks or fire hazards. 
• The property will be inspected for any overloading of electrical circuits or appliances. 
• Any defective electrical work will be identified as well as any faults in earthing or bonding.

It is essential for the landlord to ensure that the EICR test is carried out by a qualified engineer as local authorities and property agents will only accept EICR certificates issued by a qualified professional. 

What happens if the EICR deems the property to be unsafe?

The certificate will detail any defects, damage or dangerous conditions found in the property. In the case where the EICR test finds the property unsafe and its electrical installations are marked as below standard, remedial action will be required. The landlord will have to ensure that the recommendations and faults listed in the report are addressed and fixed by a qualified person. This will have to be done within 28 days or within the time period stated in the report. 

The final step will require the landlord to obtain a written confirmation stating that the safety standards have been met and the property is in a safe condition. This confirmation has to be obtained from a qualified individual. 

Financial penalties for breaching the EICR regulations

In the case where the duties of the landlord have not been met or have been breached, the local authority will serve a remedial notice to the landlord. From this point on, the landlord is required to carry out the work that has been recommended. If the local authority comes to the conclusion that the landlord has clearly breached the regulations, they have the power to issue a notice of intent, in order to impose a financial penalty on the landlord. 

The amount of the financial penalty may vary depending on the case but will not exceed £30,000.

How long does an EICR certificate last?

An EICR certificate is valid for 5 years. If you are not sure about the validity or expiration date of your EICR, it is best to check it, in order to avoid difficulties down the line. 

Types of tenancies which are excluded from the EICR certificate requirement:

• Tenancies where the tenant and the landlord/landlord family member share the property.
• Long lease tenancies or tenancies which grant the right of occupation fro more than seven years.
• Tenancies where the landlord provides private and registered social housing.
• Hostels, care homes, healthcare buildings, hospitals, refuges.
• Student accommodation.

New builds and electrical inspections

Newly built properties are only required to obtain an EICR certificate once five years have passed since the issue date of their EIC certificate. 

Properties that have been completely rewired will need to obtain an EIC certificate, instead of an EICR.

EICR cost

The cost of obtaining an EICR certificate usually ranges between £80 and £150, the variance is based on factors such as the provider, location and the size of your home. MyConstructor offers great value deals and nationwide services with flexible working hours, carried out by accredited professionals. Book your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from only £69 by visiting our MyConstructor site. We even offer generous block booking discounts for landlords who oversee multiple properties. 

Conclusion

As a landlord, it is very important to obtain and review your EICR every five years. It ensures the health and integrity of your building’s electrical systems, keeping your tenants safe. This is a form of  preventative maintenance, ensuring that any potential problems are tackled before the occurrence of an accident or other negative escalations.

For further information, head over to our My Constructor webpage to get an EICR test quote from one of our experienced tradespeople today.