Essential Electrical Services for Landlords
EICR Testing & Maintenance
Whether you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report for your property or other electrical work, Alpha offer fast, cost-effective services for landlords throughout Dorset and Hampshire.
How electrical rules affect private landlords
Since June 2010 legislation made an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) mandatory for private rented properties (as per the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020).
As a result, Landlords must now have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a qualified professional at least every 5 years.
In addition, landlords must provide a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report to their tenants, and this safety certificate can also be requested by local authorities.
This new law is in line with best practices already recommended by electrical safety bodies and was already being practised by many landlords to demonstrate the safety of their properties, however it is now a legal requirement.
Do you need an electrical safety report for your property?
If you are preparing a property for a new tenancy then you need to have your property inspected to obtain an EICR report. This must be supplied to new tenants before they occupy your property.
For existing tenancies, you have until April 2021 to meet the new requirements, however the Landlords & Tenants Act 1985 already requires that the electrical installation in a rental property is “maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy” and having an Electrical Condition Report for your property is highly recommended as a way to demonstrate safety.
What is tested for an EICR?
The safety inspection tests wiring and fixed electrical parts of your property, including the consumer unit and permanently connected electrical equipment (such as extractor hoods and power showers).
If the testing identifies any electrical hazards presenting a risk of injury, or anything potentially dangerous, further investigation or remedial work will be required. Where remedial work is needed, landlords are required to provide written confirmation that the work has been carried out to their tenant and to the local authority within 28 days.
Alpha provide all inspection, remedial work and maintenance services to ensure your rental properties are always safe and compliant.
