EICR Landlords Electrical Inspections for landlords in Billericay and the surrounding areas.
TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd are a team of experienced electricians with NICEIC domestic installer accreditation.
CP12 Gas certificates available also
Call – 01277 801560
Essential For Landlords
Landlords are responsible for the safety of their tenants, the let property, the electrical system and electrical appliances must be safe for use. Inspections accompanied by an Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) ensures the electrical system of your property meets the safety and legal criteria.
EICR is a legal requirement every time a new tenancy starts or every 5 years (whichever event falls first)
Inspection reveals the condition of the electrical system and whether any urgent or minor repairs/upgrades are required. Once the system has passed an EICR certificate is signed and issued by the qualified electrician undertaking the inspection.
The EICR certificate proves your renting your property legally, and shows tenants and insurers your property is safe and suitable for letting.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) covers the plug-in appliances included in the tenancy. PAT testing is not a legal requirement. It does, however, give you peace of mind as a landlord your portable appliances are safe as well. Savvy landlords undertake PAT testing annually for extra protection for their tenants and property.
- Only qualified Electricians can undertake Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
- EICR’s are required every five years or at the start of each new tenancy
- Prospective tenants and letting agents will ask for an EICR
Not Only For Landlords & Renters
EICR’s are an option for
- Homeowners
- Sellers
- Buyers
Homeowners are responsible for the condition and safety of their property and electrical system. It’s recommended homeowners have an EICR every ten years to verify their electrical system is ok and doesn’t present any danger.
Homesellers have EICR’s so they can show prospective buyers the electrical system’s ok.
Homebuyers have EICR’s to verify the condition of the electrical system.
EICR Procedure
The electrical inspection involves an Electrician visually inspecting and testing the electrical system of your property. Inspecting and testing show any damage, deterioration or faults that have developed and are potentially dangerous.
The EICR makes sure the electrical system adheres to the British Standard For Electrical Safety (BS 7671) which is “requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring Regulations (17th edition)”
Every circuit is tested throughout the procedure this includes
- Consumer unit
- RCD Fuses
- Internal wiring
- Light fittings
- Plugs
- Earthing And Bonding
If any part of the system does not meet the required standard codes are written in a report to clarify the faults.
- Code C1 – The system is dangerous and needs immediate attention; those using the system are at risk.
- Code C2 – There’s a deficiency the system isn’t dangerous for now but could become hazardous if a fault were to occur in the electrical system or connected appliance
- Code C3 – There’s a deficiency, but it’s not considered to be dangerous. Work’s recommended to enhance the safety of the installation but is not essential, and you’re under no obligation to have the work carried out.
If any of the above faults are found, the electrician will give you a price to correct the defects. If we have the parts available, we may be able to carry out repairs during the inspection. Otherwise, we’ll arrange a later date to return and undertake repairs.
Once repairs are finished and the electrical system has passed the certification is written and issued.
EICR inspections are swift for smaller properties but will take longer on larger properties (up to 4 hours)
Optional Testing Procedures
VIR (Visual Testing & Inspection)
Landlords have the option of Visual Testing & Inspection (VIR) in the period between compulsory EICR’s. VIR’s are quick. An electrician will visually inspect the electrical system if any signs of wear or damage.
VIR’s give landlords additional peace of mind the electrical system is safe.
Electricians Will Inspect
- Consumer Unit (main fuse board) Sockets
- Plugs
- Light fittings
- Light switches
- Electrical cables or leads
- Earthing and bonding
- Extension leads
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Signs of wear and tear
- Visible signs of burning
A report with recommendation is written after the inspection; the landlord then has the option of making any recommended repairs/alterations.
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)
Portable Appliance testing covers all the portable ‘plug-in’ appliances in your rented property. Appliances such as irons, toasters, fans, kettles etc. are inspected and tested.
While PAT testing is not a legal requirement for landlords, many opt for it anyway, making sure their tenants and property are as safe as possible. Faulty appliances can cause accidents, injury, fires and damage, some landlords as such want the added peace of mind.
PAT testing can be carried out at the start of each tenancy, the same time as the EICR, or periodically such as every year or two, it’s up to the landlord.
Appliances are visually inspected for wear, damage and signs of burning. Testing equipment is used for earth continuity, insulation resistance and lead polarity tests, ll show if the appliance is functioning correctly. Failed appliances may need repairing or replacing.
If you would like to book an electrical inspection, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below.
