If you’re a landlord or letting agent, now’s the time to take a closer look at your electrical safety certificates. It’s approaching five years since Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) became a legal requirement for all rental properties in England, and that means many of those first inspections are nearly due for renewal.
The demand for qualified electrical contractors to carry out these EICRs is set to spike again, and with potential fines for non-compliance, it’s best not to leave it until the last minute and risk delays.
A quick refresher – what is an EICR?
An EICR is a formal report produced following an inspection of the electrical systems and installations within a property. It’s designed to ensure that everything from wiring to sockets and fuse boards meets current safety standards and is in good working order.
Once the inspection is complete, you get a report that tells you whether the installation is satisfactory (pass) or unsatisfactory (fail) and highlights any issues that need to be fixed. These are broken down into codes – some urgent, others advisory – so you know exactly what needs to be done. Remedial work must then be completed within 28 days, or often sooner, depending on the issue.
Who needs an EICR?
Since 1st June 2020, it has been a legal requirement for all new privately rented homes in England to have a valid EICR. From 1st April 2021, this then applied to all new and existing rental properties.
Landlords must ensure that inspections are carried out every five years, at a change of tenancy or when purchasing a new property to let. A copy of the report must be provided to tenants and, if requested, to the local authority.
So, if your last inspection was carried out in early 2020 or 2021 to meet the initial deadlines, your properties are likely due for reinspection soon.
Who can carry out an EICR?
EICRs must be conducted by a qualified and registered electrician. This means someone who is a member of a government-approved scheme, such as:
- National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
- National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
- The Electrical Safety Register
Unfortunately, when the regulations first came into play, the rush to meet deadlines led to some inspections being carried out by tradespeople without the correct qualifications or accreditations. It’s essential to work with trusted, certified contractors to ensure your reports are valid and your properties are safe.
Why it’s important to plan ahead
As we approach the five-year renewal point, we expect to see the same surge in demand for qualified electricians that we experienced back in 2020. Many landlords and letting agents will be seeking inspections at the same time, which could lead to limited availability and delays.
Failing to renew an EICR on time can result in fines of up to £30,000 and may also affect your ability to let or manage a property legally. More importantly, it increases the risk of electrical faults going undetected, which could pose a danger to your tenants.
For letting agents, now is the time to engage landlords, review certification dates and line up reliable contractors to avoid any last-minute issues.
Partner with a trusted contractor
At SWH, we work closely with landlords and letting agents across the North East to carry out detailed EICR inspections that are clear, compliant and competitively priced.
- NICEIC-certified and fully insured
- Experienced in single and portfolio property inspections
- Transparent pricing – £186 including VAT (per property)
- Clear reporting with advice on any remedial work required
Let’s get you booked in
Stay compliant. Protect your tenants. Avoid the rush.
If your EICRs are coming up for renewal or you’re not quite sure when they were last carried out, now’s the time to get organised.
We’re here to help you stay compliant, keep your tenants safe and avoid any unnecessary stress or last-minute rush.
Call us on 0191 258 0000 or fill out our contact form to get booked in.
