Landlords’ Guide to EICRs: Staying Compliant and Keeping Tenants Safe
As a landlord, ensuring the safety of your rental property is not just a moral responsibility—it’s a legal requirement. One of the most critical steps in maintaining a safe and compliant property is obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). At We Cert London, with over 17 years of experience as your trusted electrical certification experts, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about EICRs and how they help you stay compliant while keeping your tenants safe.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a thorough inspection and assessment of the electrical installations in your property. It identifies any potential hazards, defects, or non-compliance with current safety standards. For landlords, an EICR is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal obligation under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Why is an EICR Important for Landlords?
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Legal Compliance: By law, landlords must ensure their rental properties have a valid EICR conducted by a qualified electrician at least every 5 years (or more frequently if recommended).
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Tenant Safety: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated systems can lead to electric shocks, fires, or other hazards. An EICR helps identify and address these risks.
Avoid Penalties: Failure to comply with EICR regulations can result in hefty fines of up to £30,000 or even prosecution.
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Property Protection: Regular EICRs help maintain the integrity of your property’s electrical systems, preventing costly repairs or damage in the future.
What Does an EICR Involve?
During an EICR inspection, our fully qualified engineers will:
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Check the condition of electrical wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer units (fuse boxes).
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Test circuits to ensure they are safe and functioning correctly.
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Identify any issues, such as overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or lack of earthing.
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Provide a detailed report outlining any observations, recommendations, and overall compliance.
Understanding EICR Codes
Your EICR report will include codes to indicate the severity of any issues found:
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C1 (Danger Present): Immediate action is required to eliminate the risk.
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C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Urgent improvements are needed.
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C3 (Improvement Recommended): Issues that don’t pose immediate danger but could be improved.
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FI (Further Investigation): Additional inspection is needed to assess the problem fully.
If your report includes C1 or C2 codes, you must take action to rectify the issues within 28 days (or sooner, if specified) and provide written confirmation to your tenants and the local authority.
How Often Do You Need an EICR?
Landlords are required to have an EICR conducted:
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At least every 5 years.
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At the start of a new tenancy (if the previous EICR is older than 5 years).
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More frequently if recommended in the report.
Why Choose We Cert London?
With over 17 years of experience, We Cert London is your trusted partner for electrical certification. Our fully qualified engineers provide:
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Expert Inspections: Thorough and reliable EICR assessments tailored to your property.
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Clear Reporting: Easy-to-understand reports with actionable recommendations.
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Compliance Assurance: Peace of mind knowing your property meets all legal requirements.
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Professional Service: Friendly, efficient, and trustworthy experts you can rely on.
What to Do After Receiving Your EICR Report
If your report identifies issues, don’t worry—our team is here to help. We can guide you through the necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure your property is safe and compliant. Regular EICRs not only keep you on the right side of the law but also demonstrate your commitment to tenant safety.
Book Your EICR Today
Don’t risk non-compliance or compromise on safety. Contact We Cert London to schedule your EICR inspection with experienced, certified engineers. Protect your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our website or call us today. Let us help you stay compliant and keep your tenants safe!
We Cert London – Your Trusted Electrical Certification Experts with Over 17 Years of Experience.
