Electrical safety certificates (EICR) for landlords – what is it and why is it so important?
At Go Assist we appreciate there are a lot of rules and regulations landlords must abide by to ensure their property is of legal standards, and an electrical safety check is one of these regulations.
Some of the ins and outs of an electrical safety check can seem confusing and intimidating. So, we’re here to explain to landlords and tenants – what this certificate means, what it entails, how it’s carried out and any other questions you may have, to keep you in the know.
All rental properties now require an EICR (electrical safety certificate). We understand that electrical safety is extremely important for landlords to get right – not just for the peace of mind of you and your tenants – but also to avoid any hazards prompting tenants to take legal action or unnecessary costs to your wallet.
This means that all landlords must do what great landlords already do: make sure electrical installations in their rented properties are safe.
What is an Electrical safety check?
An EICR is a formal document produced by an electrician or electrical engineer after a comprehensive assessment of electrical systems within any domestic property.
Electrical installations must meet regulated standards to ensure safety – faults with fuse boards, switches, or sockets could cause electrical shocks or fire, causing potential injury and damage to occupants.
What happens during an EICR?
To perform an electrical safety check, the electrician will disconnect the electrical installations from the property’s main power supply. They will check the installations based on the standards set by the IET’s wiring regulations.
The EICR will ensure all electrical installations and systems within the property are correctly installed and systems within the property are correctly installed, safe, and well maintained.
How can I make my electrical safety test easier for my tenants and me?
Keep your tenants informed of when the certificate is scheduled to be carried out – this will ensure the electrician has complete access to the property to complete the certificate quickly and efficiently.
We would advise kindly asking tenants to make sure all plug sockets are exposed and not hidden by any furniture – this will make sure the electrician doesn’t have to move any of your tenants’ personal possessions about to gain access.
What happens if extra work is needed?
If it is diagnosed that further works are required, you will have 28 days as a landlord to carry them out. You will then need to provide an updated report to your tenant to show that the work has been carried out.
However, don’t stress! Our electricians would be happy to see you through from the start of the EICR to the end. You won’t have to worry about finding someone else to do the extra work for you.
How often should an EICR be carried out?
It’s the law for all landlords to have their rental properties tested every 5 years and provide the report to the tenant.
How do I choose a qualified and competent electrician?
Go Assist offers an affordable and quality EICR service provided by a nationwide team of experts. Our electrical engineers are highly trained, certified, and experienced specialists, ensuring we offer you fast and reliable service to give you peace of mind that your/ your tenant's home is electrically safe.
Now you have a detailed understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your electrical safety certificate book online now! Our electricians are fully qualified and approved by us - with competitive rates and outstanding service, we are here to get your property regulated and ready.
If you have any further questions about your electrical safety check, do not hesitate to contact us on 0333 370 331.