June marks five years since the introduction of mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) for new private rented sector tenancies. NRLA Chief innovation officer and founder of Safe2 James Kent explains why now’s the perfect time to check your renewal date.
Back in 2020 new rules were introduced, making it compulsory for landlords to have their electrical installations inspected at least every five years by a qualified electrician.
The new Electrical Safety in the Private Rented Sector legislation was then extended to cover all tenancies across the board the following year, 2021.
EICR certificates, proving the checks have been carried out are valid for a maximum of five years, so virtually all landlords will need to renew them in the coming 12 months.
What does an EICR inspection entail?
An EICR inspections will look at the condition and safety of:
- Wiring
- Sockets
- Fuse boards
- Any other electrical parts
Your electrician will then produce a report detailing any issues, assessing any wear and tear and identifying not just any risks, but the severity of any risk posed.
If work is needed to bring the installations up to standard, it has to be carried out by a qualified professional within 28 days – or sooner as specified in the report.
The landlord should then receive written confirmation the work has been done.
If the report details that work must be carried out to correct the unsatisfactory areas, that must be carried out by a qualified professional within 28 days or sooner as specified in the report. The landlord will then require written confirmation the work has been completed.
Hefty fines
Obviously, the safety of your tenants should be your number one priority – and there are tough penalties if you fail to comply, with fines of up to £30,000.
To make your life easier, TDS has recently partnered with Safe2 to take the hassle out of organising your inspections and certificates. Through Landlord+, TDS and NRLA customers will receive 5% discount.
At the click of a button, Safe2 can organise the inspection and arrange the date with either the tenant or letting agent and keep you updated along the way as well as arranging any repairs needed before issuing the certificate.
Leaving it too late can mean costly delays, void periods, or enforcement action. Getting it done early puts you in control. Safe2 makes it easy to book and manage inspections so you can stay compliant without the hassle.
More information
- To access your 5% discount through Landlord+, click here
- To learn more about Safe2, click here
- To read the NRLA guide on electrical safety and your obligations click here.
- For further information about making your rental home safe, why not try the NRLA’s Electrical Safety course.
James Kent, Founder and Managing Director of Safe2 and Ben Beadle NRLA’s Chief Executive
NRLA: The NRLA updates landlords on all the latest legislation changes affecting the sector and offers expert advice, training and other exclusive services and benefits.
The views expressed in this content are solely those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of TDS, its officers, or employees.
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