As of July 1, 2020, landlords in England are legally required to ensure that the electrical installations in their rental properties are safe. This involves conducting regular inspections and tests by qualified professionals, in accordance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. For landlords in Wembley, adhering to these regulations is crucial to ensure tenant safety and legal compliance.
EICR For Landlords in Wembley - Lighthouse Engineering, Dollis Hill
EICR - A Legal Requirement for Landlords
The regulations mandate that landlords in Wembley and across the UK must:
- Ensure that electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.
- Obtain a report (commonly known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) that details the results of the inspection and sets a date for the next one.
- Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, to new tenants before they occupy the premises, and to prospective tenants within 28 days of a request.
- Supply the local authority with a copy of the EICR within seven days if requested.
- Retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector who will undertake the next inspection.
- Complete any remedial or further investigative work highlighted in the report within 28 days or a shorter period if specified, and provide written confirmation of the completion to the tenant and the local authority.
Non-compliance can result in financial penalties of up to £30,000.
Choosing a Qualified EICR Electrician
To carry out these EICR inspections, landlords in Wembley should engage a qualified and competent electrician. The NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) operates the Rented Sector Scheme, which certifies electricians to perform electrical safety checks in rental properties. Landlords can find certified electricians through the Registered Competent Person Electrical website.
The EICR Inspection Process
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety of the electrical installations in a property. During the inspection, the electrician will:
- Examine the electrical installations for wear and tear or defects.
- Test the installations to ensure they are safe and compliant with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
- Identify any issues that require remedial work or further investigation.
The resulting EICR will classify any issues found using specific codes:
- Code C1: Danger present, risk of injury, immediate remedial action required.
- Code C2: Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required.
- Code C3: Improvement recommended.
- FI: Further investigation required without delay.
Only reports with a satisfactory rating, meaning no C1 or C2 codes, are considered compliant.
Implementing Remedial Work as a Landlord
If the EICR identifies any C1 or C2 issues, landlords must ensure that remedial work is carried out within 28 days or sooner if specified. After completing the necessary work, landlords should obtain written confirmation from the electrician and provide copies to the tenants and, if requested, the local authority.
Maintaining Compliance
Landlords should keep detailed records of all inspections, reports, and remedial work. It's also advisable to schedule the next inspection in advance to ensure continuous compliance.
Landlords EICR Electrician in Wembley
Adhering to the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector is essential for landlords in Wembley. By conducting regular inspections with qualified professionals and promptly addressing any identified issues, landlords can ensure the safety of their tenants and avoid significant penalties.
If you require an EICR in Wembley contact us today.
