The Benefits of Having an EICR Certificate
Landlords are responsible for the safety of their tenants. consequently, it is crucial that rental properties comply with certain electrical standards.
landlords electrical certificate aim to reduce the chance of fires and electric shocks, by ensuring that all electrical fittings and installations are in good working in good working. The most recent regulations require landlords to conduct an EICR test on their property every five years.
Protection
In the event that an electrical shock or fire results in injury or damages to an occupant, you are able to utilize your EICR certificate as evidence that you have taken the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all who lives or works within the premises. This can reduce legal and damage fees by proving that you did not neglect your obligations as a landlord or business owner.
Many insurance companies require that businesses and landlords have their electrical systems tested on a regular basis. Failure to do so could result in your insurance being terminated. This could lead to financial difficulties and even the possibility of a court case.
If your business has an oven with an electric burner If you don’t look at it often, it’s likely that it will fail during the event of a fire. This can cause major destruction to your kitchen and the food your customers consume.
It is vital to arrange an electrical inspection with an electrician. This gives you the confidence that your electrical system is in good order and won’t cause any issues in future.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into effect on July 1, making an eicr certificate mandatory for all landlords in England and Wales. This requires that all buildings are regularly inspected every five years, and that tenants get a valid EICR before the start of a new tenancy.
Landlords have 28 days to give copies to tenants currently living in the property. They should also distribute the copy to prospective tenants prior to when they move in. If they fail to comply, the local authority can be fined up to PS30,000 and will make arrangements for the remedial repairs that are required.
Only electricians who are qualified should be able to complete an eicr certification. It should be a comprehensive report that lists all of the electrical appliances in the property, including any faults and any repairs required. It must also include a current schedule of tests , as well as any recommendations for further work.
Energy Efficiency
As electrical systems get older, there’s bound to be issues that will cost a lot to fix. Regular EICR inspections can help to spot these issues while also identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency.
This is especially relevant for rental properties where the cost of energy is high. By following the suggestions made in the EICR landlords can save money on their electricity costs and also reduce carbon emissions.
Privately rented properties must submit an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, and provide copies to all tenants as part of their tenancy agreement. This is an excellent way for you to ensure that your tenants are safe at home.
The EICR is carried out by a qualified professional and the result will be a written report that contains any damage, deterioration, or defects which are identified as well as suggestions for improvement to ensure your tenants secure. If a problem is discovered the inspector will indicate it in the report with an ‘FI’ number meaning that further investigation will need to be conducted before an appropriate solution can be found.
Once the work has been carried out and the report is deemed to be satisfactory, the landlord must provide written confirmation that the work was completed to the tenant and the local authority. Further investigation is possible within 28 days, or within a shorter timeframe according to the report.
In addition to checking the electrical system, an EICR will also check that portable appliances at your property are in a safe and legal condition of use. This includes lamps, TVs, and toasters that can end up rotting if they aren’t properly maintained.
This is an extremely important part of being a responsible landlord and could save you lots of cash in the long run. Not only will you be keeping your tenants safe, but also you will save money on possible damage and legal costs in the event of an electrical fire or electric shock.
Peace of Mind
One of the main benefits of having an eicr certificate is the peace of mind it will bring to you and your property. If you own or lease out your property the one thing you don’t want to experience is an electrical fire or an accident that may result in expensive repairs.
The new regulations will require that all private landlords have an EICR in place by April 2021. It is crucial that you have one by this date. Not only does it show that you care about your property, but it also shows those who live there or business that you’ve put safety first.
The process of obtaining an EICR certificate isn’t a simple task however, it’s a worthwhile investment for any building owner, property manager or tenant. An accurate EICR will help save money in the long run since it helps identify issues that could have been prevented with a little planning and effort.
It is also a good idea to have a qualified engineer carry out an EICR on a regular basis especially on properties where you are likely to find people living and working. This will also provide you with more details about the state of your electrical system, which will assist you make educated decisions when it comes to protecting your home and reduce your carbon footprint in the process.
A certificate from an EICR can be the best and most practical investment you can make for your home. If you’re looking to purchase the best EICR, be sure to contact us today to find out more about the ways it can enhance your property.
Reduced Risk
Electrical installation condition reports or EICRs as they are often called, are a requirement for all landlords of private tenancy properties to ensure that their electrical installations are safe for tenants. A valid EICR is required to be taken out and updated every five years if the premises are used for commercial use.
An EICR inspection involves an electrician inspecting the electrical installation to ensure it meets the safety standards BS 7671. The inspector will then issue a report detailing the findings of their investigation.
This will show the existence of any issues regarding the electrical wiring in your house, as well as providing information about any potential hazards within the vicinity. Your electrician might recommend that you immediately start corrective actions or isolate a particular circuit until further repairs are made.
The electrician will then provide you a comprehensive report that includes their findings, recommendations, and suggested solutions. You will also receive a breakdown of any faults found, with four error codes (C1 C1, C2, FI and) outlining the level of risk.
C1 – Immediate action is required. If this is the situation your electrician will repair or isolate the problem immediately. This will ensure that your tenants don’t get hurt or suffer damage because of the issues they’re experiencing.
A time frame for the remedial work must be included in the report. In most cases, this is 28 days, however if your report states another time frame then it is essential that the work is completed in this time frame to not cause further damage.
You must ensure that any remedial work is performed by a skilled professional to help avoid any confusion or legal issues down the road. A certified professional must be licensed in inspection and testing, as well as have relevant prior experience.
A good quality EICR will also point out any areas for improvement that could reduce your energy use and lower your carbon footprint. This will reduce your energy consumption and could even save you money in the future.
