If you are a landlord, it's essential to keep the electrical installation in your rental property safe in order to protect your tenants and meet your responsibilities.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, is a formal safety check that assesses the condition of a property's fixed electrical installations, including the wiring, consumer unit, sockets and lighting.
What does an EICR check?
An EICR is carried out by a qualified person and is designed to identify potential electrical hazards, deterioration or defects within the installation.
The inspection can highlight issues such as faulty wiring, inadequate earthing, overloaded circuits or other problems that could increase the risk of electric shock or fire.
It's important to remember that an EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installation. Portable appliances such as kettles, microwaves and other plug-in equipment are not covered and may require separate inspection and PAT testing.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
Landlords in England must ensure that electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if specified by the previous report.
A copy of the report must also be provided to the tenant. For a new tenancy, the latest valid report should be supplied before the tenant moves into the property.
What happens if problems are found?
The report will identify whether the installation is satisfactory and will highlight any areas requiring attention.
If remedial work or further investigation is required, landlords must arrange for the necessary work to be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter timeframe.
Keeping on top of EICRs not only helps landlords meet their responsibilities but also provides reassurance that the electrical installation remains safe for continued use.
At MS Electrical Services we carry out EICRs for landlords and property owners across Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Simply call us on 01223 258968 or complete our enquiry form today to arrange an inspection or to request a no-obligation quotation.