Eicr - as a landlord

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for Landlords

When to Get an EICR

How often should you have an EICR on the properties you let?

There are three points at which landlords are advised to employ the services of a professional electrician for an electrical safety check.

EICR for a New Property

EICR for a new property – For landlords who buy to let, a property is like any purchase or investment and it makes sense to know exactly what you’re getting before parting with any money.

This can prevent unforeseen costs down the line.

A general homebuyer’s survey does not include an inspection of the electrics, yet faulty electrics could cost thousands of pounds to fix – not to mention the risk to safety.

EICR at Change of Occupancy

At change of occupancy – You may have had the electrics inspected at the time of buying a new property, but it is also recommended to get them checked again when one tenant leaves and before a new one arrives.

This will enable you to carry out a full safety check to make sure nothing has deteriorated or been damaged during the previous tenancy.

It also provides documented proof, both for yourself and the tenant, that the electrics were inspected at the beginning of their tenancy, which can be crucial in the event of any accidents or incidents occurring.

EICR Every Five Years

Every five years – If there is no change of occupancy in the meantime, EICR for landlords is recommended every five years.

EICRs will look for any damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions or non-compliances with present day safety standards and should be checked every five years to make sure nothing has changed which would cause concern.

EICR Legal Requirements Landlords

(EICR) Electrical installation condition reports are now a key part of electrical safety, Landlords have the responsibility to ensure that a tenanted property has an electrical installation that is safe to use by its tenants. The EICR may not be law its self but the surrounding laws say all properties should have one and is there to ensure safety for the tenants and also to provide evidence that the landlord has provided a safe electrical installation for the tenant.

Electrical equipment should be kept safe, this includes not only portable appliances but also your electrical installation. Below are some small examples;

White Goods include; Washing Machine, Cooker, Oven, Hob, Toaster, Kettle and Fridge

Electrical Installation include; Consumer unit all fixed wiring, switches, sockets and lights