Landlords and agents warned over looming electric safety checks
Five years after a requirement for property owners and letting agents to ensure rentals have an electric safety certificate, many need to renew.
Landlords and letting agents are being reminded to ensure all their tenanted properties have electrical safety certificates.
Five years after the requirement for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) was introduced in England, certification body NICEIC wants all property owners to make sure their EICRs are up-to-date.
Inspected
Legislation introduced in June 2020 requires landlords to have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years.
Many EICRs will now be due for renewal, and it is a good opportunity to review certificates, NICEIC says.
Compliance
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, says: “In 2020, landlords adapted to the new Electrical Safety Standards.
“Now, five years on, it’s essential they revisit their records and arrange for updated EICRs where needed. This isn’t just about legal compliance – it’s about protecting tenants and property from electrical risks.
Landlords have a duty to maintain safe homes.”
“Landlords have a duty to maintain safe homes. A valid EICR offers peace of mind that your property meets safety standards and complies with the law,” he adds.
Once the EICR has been completed, landlords should obtain a report from the contractor who carried it out, and the report sets a date for the next inspection. The tenant should then be given a copy of this report within 28 days.
Recently, Direct Line warned landlords they face fines of up to £30,000 for electrical safety breaches, with one in three at risk.
