From April 1^st, landlords are required to carry out an electrical safety test, called an EICR inspection, every five years to determine that any property being let is safe for tenants to live in.

Initially this legislation came into being in June 2020, but as of April 1^st, it now covers all existing tenancies in the private rented sector, and not just new tenancies.

What is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report, and it will draw attention to any urgent electrical work which needs to be carried out in order to ensure that the property being inspected is safe to live in.

For landlords who ignore these safety checks, or who fail to carry out necessary remedial works in the designated time, there’s a hefty fine. The responsibility for enforcing the new regulations falls to local authorities, who also have the power to levy the £30,000 fines for non-compliance.

How does an EICR ensure safety?

You can’t see electricity, and in most cases, you can’t see cables that use the electricity as they’re hidden inside walls. So it’s really easy to forget about checking – especially if everything is working with no complaints!

Old and/or faulty wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires in the home, so by having a qualified electrician inspect your property’s electrics every five years and keeping on top of recommended work, you’re minimising the risk of a potential tragedy.

What are the aims of an EICR?

• To ensure your electrical installations are safe until the next inspection, and keep record of it
• To find any wear and tear that might affect safety
• To ensure all components adhere to up-to-date regulations
• To help identify any appliances which could be an issue

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