When letting a property, guaranteeing your tenants’ safety is absolutely crucial. A critical component to achieving this is the acquisition of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection. This examination is intended to assess the safety and robustness of your rental property’s electrical system.

 In this guide, we aim to give you a detailed understanding of EICR inspections. We’ll discuss what an EICR inspection entails, its significance, and what to anticipate from the report. The operation of the inspection and the various factors the examiner will take into account will also be elucidated, such as the electrical system’s age and state and any potential hazards or risks involved.

Acquiring an EICR inspection is a statutory requirement for landlords, and not adhering to this could lead to significant penalties or legal consequences. With this guide you can guarantee your rental property’s safety and compliance with the relevant regulations, offering you peace of mind and shielding your tenants from electrical dangers.

 What is an EICR Inspection?

An EICR encompasses a thorough examination and test of the electrical installations within your rental property. The main objective of the inspection is to detect any possible hazards or faults that might pose a threat to your tenants or inflict damage on the property.

As a landlord, the law mandates that you complete an EICR inspection at least every five years. If the property has been deemed high-risk, you may need to arrange for these inspections more frequently. Non-compliance with this legal stipulation could culminate in penalties reaching up to £30,000.

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What happens during an EICR Inspection? 

Prior to the inspection, it is key to ensure that all parts of your property are accessible, especially the Electrical installations. This means clearing all clutter and making sure the inspector has room to work safely while on the job.

During the inspection, they will carry out a visual examination of the installations, which include fuse boxes, sockets, light fittings and wiring. This will be carried out alongside electrical testing, using specialised equipment to test the safety and functionality of all electrical installations.

Once the inspection has been completed, the inspector will record their findings and determine the condition of the installations. If any faults or issues are found, the inspector will inform you in the report. 

What should you expect from an EICR report?

The EICR report will supply a detailed account of the observations made, including any potential dangers or faults discovered. The report will also include codes and classifications that denote the severity of any problems detected.

The report will propose necessary steps to correct any issues, and it will also give timelines for accomplishing these actions. Furthermore, the report will offer an estimation of the financial impact related to the suggested actions.

What happens if the report finds issues?

In the case the report and engineer finds any issues, it’s crucial to immediately address them. Failure to do puts your tenants at risk and could result in legal action being taken against you.

You should always contact a qualified electrician to carry out the required repairs and upgrades, ensuring that the remedial work is completed to a high standard. Once the issues have been fixed, you should get an updated EICR report to confirm that your property is now safe and compliant.

Conclusion

An EICR inspection is an essential part of ensuring the safety of your rental property and your tenants. By following this guide, you now have a better understanding of what an EICR inspection is, what to expect from the report, and what to do if issues are found. As a responsible landlord, it’s important to stay on top of EICR inspections and keep your rental property up to date with safety regulations.