Electrical Tests For Landlords

Senior Account Executive, Chris Lewis from the Dorrington Office has shed some light on the upcoming electrical inspection requirements for landlords.

‘There is a legal deadline fast approaching for residential property landlords, one that some may be unaware of. Legislation came in last Summer for landlords in the private sector to comply with new rules on electrical installation safety tests or face fines of up to £30,000.

As of 1st April 2021 all existing specified tenancies must have an electrical installation condition report (EICR) under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations, the legislation was brought in last July for all new residential tenancies to comply, but for many where tenants have been in situ for over nine months, especially those who don’t utilise the services and advice of a letting agent this may have gone under the radar.

The purpose is to ensure that electrical safety standards are being met by inspecting and testing every electrical installation in the premises. The regulations apply to*:

  • Assured shorthold tenancies
  • Assured tenancies, including Rent Act and Rent Agriculture Act
  • Agricultural tenancies granted for less than seven years which include a house
  • Farm Business Tenancies (FBT’s) which include a house(s) and Agricultural Holding Act tenancies where the initial fixed term is less than seven years
  • Service occupancies where a rent is charged, even if not market rent

The EICR must be produced by a properly qualified and competent person at least every five years, a copy should be provided to the tenant, whilst ensuring a copy is retained for your own records and if requested supply a copy to the local authority. With the requirement to complete any remedial work flagged by the report within 28 days of the test (unless the report requires these to be completed sooner).

It’s understood that the reports will cost in the region of £150-250 plus VAT for an average three bedroom property, plus the costs of any remedial action if required, however failure to comply could lead to fines for landlords of up to £30,000.’

**information taken from the Farmers Weekly