Do I Need An EICR For A New Tenant?

Do I Need An EICR For A New Tenant? Yes. If you’re a landlord, you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every time a new tenant moves in. It is required by law. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 state that landlords must ensure their rental properties are electrically safe. This includes having an up-to-date EICR before a new tenant moves in.

What Is An EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the inspection of the electrical system in a property. A qualified electrician checks the wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer unit. The electrician ensures everything is safe and working correctly. The report highlights any hazards or risks, with teh eelcrtical system. If issues are found, the electrician will recommend repairs or replacements.

Legal Requirements For Landlords

As a landlord, you must legally ensure your rental property’s electrical system is safe. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 explain your responsibilities:

• You must have an EICR done at least every five years.
• The property must have a valid EICR if a new tenant moves in.
• You must provide the tenant with a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection.
• If your local authority asks, you must provide them with a report copy.

These rules help protect tenants from electrical hazards and ensure properties meet safety standards.

Do I Need An EICR For A New Tenant?

You need an EICR if renting out a property to a new tenant. This is why the law exists. A new tenant should not move into a property unless properly inspected. An EICR confirms that the electrical system is safe.

The EICR is valid for five years. However, you must arrange for a new inspection if you change tenants before the five years are up. Even if the previous tenant only moved out recently, the law requires a fresh EICR for every new tenant.

Penalties For Not Having A Valid EICR

You may face heavy fines if you do not comply with these regulations. Landlords who do not have a valid EICR or do not provide it to tenants may be fined up to £30,000.

Not following the rules puts tenants at risk, which could lead to even worse consequences.

Staying on top of these regulations is important to avoid fines, protect your tenants and ensure your insurance is valid. If you are unsure when your EICR is due or whether you need one for a new tenant, contact a qualified electrician for advice.

Key Points

• If you are a landlord with a new tenant, you must ensure the property has an up-to-date EICR.
• This is a legal requirement under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
• The EICR ensures your property meets electrical safety standards and protects your tenants.
• Not having a valid EICR can result in heavy fines, risk to tenants and insurance issues.

Need help With Your EICR?

A good landlord wants to comply with the law and ensure the safety of their tenants. If you need an EICR and live in the Essex area, we can help you.

Our NICEIC-registered Electricians undertake landlords Electrical inspections and issue EICR certification. Please contact us to book an appointment.