EICR Maldon Landlords Electrical Inspections & Certificates

Landlord EICR Legal Requirements in Maldon

• EICRs are a legal requirement for rented properties
• EICRs must be undertaken at the start of each new tenancy or every five years
• Qualified electricians must undertake EICRs

If you’re a landlord letting a property in Maldon, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is an essential requirement to ensure the electrical system is safe for your tenants and doesn’t pose a fire risk to your property.

By law, EICRs must be carried out at the start of each new tenancy or every five years. A qualified electrician will inspect every element of the electrical system. Each part is passed, given a recommendation or failed. The part will need to be repaired so that the EICR certification can be issued.

Once you have the certificate in hand, you can show your tenants, letting agent and insurer that your electrical system is safe and you’re renting your property legally.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

An Electrician visits your property at a pre-agreed time. Every part of the electrical installation is visually inspected and tested for electrical faults, decay or damage. Parts of the system inspected and tested include the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, lights and fittings, RCD fuses, cooker/appliance circuits and the earthing and bonding.

Any part of the electrical system found to be below the required standard is issued a code, which is as follows.

• Code C1 – The electrical system presents danger and requires immediate attention, posing a risk for those using the system.
• Code C2 – Some defects are not dangerous for now, but could become dangerous if a fault occurs within the electrical system or a connected appliance.
• Code C3 – There’s a non-hazardous deficiency. Repairs are recommended for safety enhancement but are not essential. You’re under no obligation to have repairs done.

The electrician will issue a quote for any necessary repairs. Some repairs can be done on the same day. Otherwise, we can agree on a time to return and make the repairs. Or, if you would prefer, you can arrange the repairs yourself, and we can return to reinspect at a later date.

Once the electrical system has passed the required checks, the electrician writes the certification. The certificate confirms that the electrical system meets the British Standard for Electrical Safety (BS 7671) and the latest IEE Wiring Regulations.

EICR inspections can take up to 4 hours to complete. The time taken depends on the size of the property (4 hours is for the largest of properties)

Visual Testing & Inspection (VIR)

Landlords have the option of Visual, Testing and inspection between when they have EICRs done. VIRs are much quicker than EICRs (they take around an hour). An electrician visually inspects every part of the Electrical system and writes a report, complete with recommendations for the landlord to consider.

Please note the inspection is completely visual; no actual testing is undertaken. VIRs are not a requirement nor a substitute for the more in-depth and legally required EICRs. Landlords generally have VIRs periodically to ensure there’s nothing visibly dangerous with the electrical system.

Inspections For Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

While it’s mainly landlords who book Electrical Installation Condition Reports, EICRs work well for homeowners, buyers and sellers. A homeowner’s EICR should be conducted every ten years to ensure their electrical system is safe. If any faults are uncovered, they can be repaired. Unless you have your electrical system inspected, you’ll never know if there’s anything wrong.

An EICR is beneficial to show prospective buyers when selling your home. If you’re buying a home and an EICR isn’t provided, it’s a good idea to have one before you sign any contracts. An EICR allows you to establish the condition of the Electrical system. No unpleasant or expensive surprises once you have bought the home. If any faults are found, the seller can either get them rectified or reduce the buying price.

Hi, I’m Terry, the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services

Please get in touch to book an appointment or receive a free, no-obligation quote

Call: 01621 881560

Email: info@tmhugheselectrical.co.uk