Landlords: EICR Regulations – Are You Ready?

Being a landlord is a challenging role, and we aim to provide landlords with as much support as we can.

In April 2021, the EICR (Electrical Inspection Condition Reports) apply to every rental property.

The system has been in place for properties let after June 2020, so many landlords haven’t had to react to the changes until now.

Landlords must familiarise themselves with these regulations

If you are not aware of these regulations, it is vital you act sooner rather than later.

According to the regulations, as stated on the Government website, landlords must:

• Ensure national standards for electrical safety are met. These are set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671.

• Ensure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every 5 years.

• Obtain a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.

• Supply a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.

• Supply a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.

• Supply a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.

• Supply the local authority with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving a request for a copy.

• Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.

• Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.

• Supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works from the electrician to the tenant and the local authority within 28 days of completion of the works.

Carrying out the inspection

As the inspection must be undertaken by a qualified electrician who is on the registered competent person list, you must arrange for a professional to visit the rental property.

Of course, in the current climate, this might be an issue for many landlords.

In 2020, there was a similar problem in arranging for electricians to conduct tests in relation to the Green Homes Grant Scheme.

Landlords should be in regular contact with their tenants, and see if a suitable time can be arranged. If the rental property was going to be empty at any point, this would be the ideal time to arrange for the EICR test to take place.

However, if this isn’t possible, landlords must co-operate with tenants to find a suitable solution.

If you are looking for support in this matter, we can help.

We offer a range of letting services to landlords in Essex and Hertfordshire, including tailored options which ensure you receive the best support at all times. If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local buy-to-let market, please contact Intercounty today by calling us on 01279 713750 or emailing us at propertymanagement@intercounty.co.uk.