The five-year deadline is looming for many landlord electrical safety certificates – and we are urging property investors to check today or risk a hefty fine.
In England, buy-to-let landlords are legally required to ensure the electrical installations in their rental properties are safe and in proper working order. To do this, they must arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), commonly known as a landlord’s electrical safety certificate. These reports can only be carried out by a fully-qualified electrician, and copies must be provided to both the tenants and the local authority (when requested).
By law, the EICR should be renewed at least every five years, or sooner if required by the report’s findings. Millions of landlord electrical safety certificates were obtained for rental properties following the law change in June 2020 that made them mandatory. Many of these reports took place in July and August 2020, meaning a significant percentage will be coming up for compulsory renewal over the coming weeks.
What are the key requirements for landlords?
There are serious consequences for non-compliance, so Evolution Electrical is reminding landlords to double-check when their EICRs expire. Landlords who fail to comply can face fines of up to £30,000 from the local authority. Furthermore, tenants may also have a legal case if they are injured or suffer property damage due to electrical faults that the landlord failed to rectify.
To ensure compliance, here is an EICR checklist:
- The EICR covers the safety and condition of electrical installations like wiring, sockets and fuseboxes
- While the EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installations, landlords may also need to ensure the safety of any electrical appliances they provideLandlords must obtain an EICR from a qualified and registered electrician
- EICRs must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to a new tenant before they move in.
- Local authorities can request the report, and the landlord must provide it within seven days
- If the EICR highlights repairs or further investigation, landlords must provide written confirmation that work is done to the tenant and local authority within 28 days of completion
- Landlords should keep a copy of the EICR and any related reports for the next inspection
- Inspections and EICRs should be carried out at least every five years, or more frequently if recommended by the report.
To find out more, read our blog: ‘What is an EICR certificate? Quick guide for property owners’.
NICEIC issues warning
NICEIC is the leading certification body for the electrical contracting industry in the UK. Its primary role is to assess the competence of businesses carrying out electrical work across the country.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, says: “In 2020, landlords adapted to the new Electrical Safety Standards. Now, five years on, it’s essential they revisit their records and arrange for updated EICRs where needed. This isn’t just about legal compliance – it’s about protecting tenants and property from electrical risks.
“Landlords have a duty to maintain safe homes. A valid EICR offers peace of mind that your property meets safety standards and complies with the law.”
Need to renew your landlord electrical safety certificate?
If you are a landlord with properties in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and require an EICR, contact the team at Evolution Electrical – the local experts in electrical inspections and maintenance. From a family home in Flitwick to a stylish new apartment in Stevenage, we help landlords stay safety compliant.
We offer professional and thorough electrical inspections and maintenance services tailored to your needs. Don’t wait for an electrical emergency — proactive maintenance is the key. Contact Evolution Electrical today to arrange your landlord electrical safety certificate.
