Does your EICR need renewing?
June marks five years since the introduction of mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) for new private rented sector tenancies – so now’s a good time to check your renewal date.
Under the Electrical Safety in the Private Rented Sector legislation, it became compulsory for landlords to have their electrical installations inspected at least every five years by a qualified electrician.
The rules were extended to cover all tenancies in April 2021.
As EICR certificates are valid for five years, virtually all landlords will need to renew them between this month and March 2026.
EICR inspections assess the safety of :
- Wiring
- Sockets
- Fuse boards
- Any other electrical parts
The resulting report will detail any issues assessing wear and tear and identifying any risks as well as the severity of any risk posed.
If the report details that work must be carried out to correct the unsatisfactory areas, that must be carried out by a qualified professional within 28 days or sooner as specified in the report. The landlord will then require written confirmation the work has been completed.
If you fail to comply with the regulations, you could be hit with a fine of up to £30,000.
NRLA partner Safe2 can help you with making sure you are compliant allowing you to order any required safety certificate, including EICRs with just a click of a button.
Safe2 can organise the inspection and arrange the date with either the tenant or letting agent and keep you updated along the way as well as arranging any repairs needed and issuing the certificate, James Kent, founder of Safe2 and NRLA chief innovation officer said: “Staying on top of your EICR responsibilities isn’t just about ticking a legal box, it’s about protecting your tenants and your property.”
“Leaving it too late can mean costly delays, void periods, or enforcement action. Getting it done early puts you in control. Safe2 makes it easy to book and manage inspections so you can stay compliant without the hassle.”
More information
- To learn more about Safe2, click here
- To read the NRLA guide on electrical safety and your obligations click here.
- For further information about making your rental home safe, why not try the NRLA’s Electrical Safety course.
