Those that own property to let need to be aware of UK laws designed to ensure the electrical safety of their tenants. Electrical Installation Condition Reports are one such product of these regulations that form part of a landlord’s responsibilities. As a result, it’s important to become familiar with when these reports must be completed and why, as early as during the transfer of ownership on a property. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about EIC reports as a residential or commercial property landlord.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is designed to identify any damage, deficiencies, or defective components within a building’s electrical systems. In this way, the report should indicate potential dangers and issues which could constitute a breach in current regulations. An EICR must be conducted by a qualified electrician, during which they will test sockets, fittings, systems, and fuses throughout the property. Although it is the responsibility of the landlord to arrange the report and ensure the person carrying out the report is qualified to do so.
While it’s a requirement for landlords to assess the safety of their properties, those who own property for personal use are also recommended to conduct an electrical inspection roughly every 7-8 years. The timeframe between reports, as well as the scope of the report itself, can vary depending on the size of the property, its location, age, and the systems within.
What landlords need to know about EICR rules
Make no mistake, it is a legal requirement that landlords have the condition of their electrical installation tested every five years and when a new occupancy is confirmed. As such, it’s something that almost every landlord will have to do and so becoming familiar with the rules around EICRs is important. The rules discussed here only concern landlords with rental properties in England and Wales.
If an EICR finds that a rental property is below the relevant safety standards, the landlord could be fined as much as £30,000. As such, during the commercial conveyancing process it’s worth checking when the last EICR was completed and whether any remedial actions were taken.
Preparing for an EICR
Firstly, it’s important to give tenants notice of when the report will be carried and what it involves. This is largely because power to the building will be switched off while systems are being tested. The electrician will also require access to all areas of the property, which could cause further disruption to tenants. This is especially true for commercial tenants who use the property to complete business operations.
Lastly, be prepared to receive a quote from the electrician for remedial works. If the report uncovers any issues that are deemed to constitute a safety risk, they must be resolved as quickly as possible. This will likely mean replacing wiring or certain electrical components, which can result in disruption and costs. The true cost of these works will likely only become apparent a few days after the report has been completed.
Is an EICR needed for unoccupied property?
Yes. Even properties that are unoccupied can fail an EICR. However, it’s often more convenient for landlords to carry out these reports when the property is empty, as it can be planned around their schedule.
How to check the number of circuits in a property
When it comes time to arrange an EICR, you will usually be asked how many circuits there are in the property. If you don’t have this information, an electrical company can work it out using either a copy of the last EICR or a clear photo of the circuit board.
Conveyancing services for commercial property
Toomey Legal offers bespoke legal services for landlords and tenants on an ongoing basis. It’s our mission to support those in Newcastle Upon Tyne and the north east when buying or selling property. Our legal experts also examine the clauses in your lease to determine where electrical safety responsibilities lie. This means you are never in doubt as to your obligations, preventing unexpected fines and keeping your tenants happy. Contact us to discuss which conveyancing services you’re in need of.