All private landlords are now obligated to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on their rented properties. Inspections must be carried out by a qualified individual every 5 years. Landlords must provide a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to their tenants and to their local authority if requested.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 first came into operation on June 1 2020. Applying to tenancies created on or after that date in England from July 1 2020.
These regulations now apply to all existing tenancies from April 1 2021. This includes assured shorthold tenancies and licences to occupy.
What are the exceptions?
There are some exceptions in Schedule 1 of the Regulations which include:
- Social housing
- Lodgers
- Those on a long lease of 7 years or more
- Student halls of residence
- Hostels and refuges
- Care homes
- Hospitals and hospices
What about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)?
In the case of HMOs, where the HMO is a tenant’s only or main residence and they pay rent these Regulations apply.
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 previously put specific duties on HMO landlords regarding electrical safety. These requirements have now been repealed, and HMOs are now covered by the new Electrical Safety Regulations.
In regards to licensable HMOs with 5 or more tenants – The Housing Act 2004 regulation have been amended. These new electrical safety regulations require a new mandatory condition within HMO licences. This ensures that every electrical installation in the HMO is in proper working order and safe for continued use.
How do I get an EICR and what’s included?
Inspections should be carried out by a person who is qualified and competent at least every five years. The standards that should be met under these new regulations are set out in the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations. Moreover, if an inspector deems it necessary, further investigative or remedial work should be carried out ensuring all installations are made safe.
The qualified inspector will check ‘fixed’ electrical parts, like wiring, the socket outlets, light fittings, and fuse boxes. Including any permanently connected equipment. For example, showers and extractor fans.
The regulations do not cover electrical appliances. It is recommended landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance provided to the tenant. In addition, any electrical inspections carried out should be shared with tenants as good practice.
Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
Failure to comply with these new regulations can result in significant financial penalties of up to £30,000.
Can Bunk help with your EICR?
At Bunk, we can manage and obtain all your properties’ safety certificates including EICRs, alleviating you of this stress. Let us know which safety certificates you need and one of our lettings experts will be in contact with a quote.
All reports and certificates can be uploaded to your properties on Bunk. Just select ‘Edit Property’ and upload in the appropriate place. Subsequently, you can send them on to your tenants.
