EICR Regulations Landlords Must Comply With

It is vital landlords provide a safe rental property for their tenants, and landlords must comply with a broad range of regulations.

At Thomas Morris, we are on hand to assist landlords as best we can.

We know the issue of electrical safety is vital, and there have been recent changes in this sector. If you need help staying up to date, we are here to help!

Regulations have changed and are changing again

From 1st June 2020, the rules (Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020) regarding private landlords in England having to hire a qualified electrician to check electrical installations in their rental accommodation changed.

The new regulations applied to new tenancies from 1st July 2020 and will apply for all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. Therefore, if you are a landlord who didn’t act when the regulations were first brought in because it didn’t immediately impact you, it is important you review the situation now.

Please familiarise yourself with the regulations

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.

“At Thomas Morris, we are proud to serve the St Neots community, and this includes supporting local landlords”, said Thomas Morris St Neots Branch Manager Andrea Delaney. “If you need advice on EICR matters, or any letting issue, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.”

If you are looking for help with any matter of the property or lettings market, it is best to speak to property professionals. You can book a sales or rental valuation appointment directly on line at a time and date of your choice by clicking here or alternatively or you can phone our St Neots branch on 01480 403020.