Table of Contents
Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate, although I discussed EICR inspections for companies in Leeds in a prior article, it is worth looking at EICR reports for private landlords separately. This is because, while EICR reports are only recommended for commercial properties, it became mandatory in 2023 for private landlords to ensure that a qualified electrician inspects and tests all electrical equipment at least once every five years. In summary, beginning in July 2023, landlords must ensure that a valid EICR certificate for electrical equipment in their homes is always in place, Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate.
English Private Rented Sector Electrical Safety Regulation 2023:
Of course, the majority of landlords care about their tenants’ well-being and would never intentionally endanger them, but the new Regulations were enacted to address the minority of unscrupulous private landlords and ensure that all electrical installations in private rented accommodation are safe. You may read the full details of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulation 2023 here if you want to learn more.
If a tenancy starts before June 1, 2023, EICR testing must be completed by April 1, 2021. The first EICR report should have been completed before the tenant moved into the property for tenancies beginning on or after June 1, 2023. A copy of the EICR inspection report must be delivered to a tenant or managing agency within 30 days of a written request. (For municipal governments requesting a copy, the time limit is only seven days.
If you are a landlord in Leeds and are unsure what these Regulations mean for you, your properties, and your tenants, contact S Barker Electrical and we will explain what you can anticipate from an EICR inspection and what we will describe in the report. If you need residential EICR inspections, you can use our online booking form. Private landlord EICR exceptions.
There are a few instances, like with any regulation, where the legislation may not apply:
Registered private social housing providers
When a tenant shares housing with the landlord or the landlord’s family.
Long leases or ‘rights of possession’ for seven years or more
Residence halls for students
Hostels and refugee camps
Nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and other facilities that may be utilized to provide healthcare. If you are unsure whether your home falls under one of the above-mentioned lodging types, consult the entire list of exceptions.
What might private landlords anticipate from EICR reports?
Certain duties must be met by private landlords under the new Regulations.
To guarantee that the safety standards for electrical systems outlined in BS 7671 (18th edition) are met and maintained.
To ensure that a ‘certified and competent’ person inspects and tests electrical installations in their premises at least every five years.
Ensure that the registered electrician performing the EICR testing provides a copy of the report, which should include the date of the next inspection.
Keep a copy of the report on file to deliver to the registered electrician doing the next EICR inspection.
If the assessment indicates that corrective work is required, ensure that it is completed within 28 days or as described in the report.
Provide proof to renters and the local government that any corrective work was completed within 28 days of completion.
Send a copy of the report to:
Current tenants within 28 days after inspection and testing
New renters prior to moving into the property
Potential tenants must be contacted within 28 days of submitting a request.
Municipal governments within 7 days of a request
If you can’t recall when your property last had an electrical installation inspection, don’t have a copy of the most recent EICR report on file, or suspect an electrical defect, contact S Barker Electrical right once. Booking an EICR inspection is simple, and if you arrange PAT testing for appliances at the same time, we will give you a unique price. What happens during an EICR inspection for a private landlord?
An EICR inspection includes testing of any fixed portions of your property’s electrical installations, such as:
Electrical wiring
Power outlets
Lighting fixtures
Fuse board (sometimes known as a fuse box)
Any permanently connected equipment, such as extractor fans and electric showers:
The qualified electrician will examine all electrical installations in the property during the inspection to see if they are overloaded. They will also look for flaws, fire dangers, and the possibility of electric shocks. They will check to see if earthling and bonding for gas and water supplies are in place to prevent electric shocks. Furthermore, additional tests will be performed to ensure that the insulation is in good condition and that the mains circuits are properly wired. If your EICR report just took an hour, it may not have been as thorough as it should have been.
Portable electric appliances such as cookers, refrigerators, televisions, and lamps are not covered by the Regulations. It is, however, advised that any portable appliances provided for tenants’ usage be PAT checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are defect-free and safe to use. It is critical that any electrician employed to perform PAT testing be a competent professional with the necessary certifications and expertise. Read my blog about finding an electrician to PAT test for more details, Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate.
As a private landlord in Leeds, you understand that the safety of your home and renters is a top priority, and that you are protected if problems happen. We also ensure that they are safely backed up online in our system, so you can rest easy if you misplace your certificate! It’s simple to book using our online system, or you can phone us to discuss your needs. Read more: property management companies london
