New regulations around Electrical Installation Condition Reports (or EICRs) in private rented properties came into force on 1 July 2020 for all new tenancies so it’s now nearly five years since they became law. As a result, with the required frequency of mandatory testing for landlords to remain compliant being five years, it’s likely that many rented properties in Cambridge will need re-testing within the next six months.
Since July 2020 landlords across the UK have needed to comply with the electrical safety requirements set out in the 18th edition of the ‘Wiring Regulations’, which are published as British Standard 7671. These include:
- Ensuring that the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.
- Obtaining a report from the person conducting the inspection and test which gives the results and sets a date for the next inspection and test.
- Supplying a copy of this report to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
- Supplying a copy of this report to a new tenant before they occupy the premises.
- Supplying a copy of this report to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.
- Supplying the local authority with a copy of this report within seven days of receiving a request for a copy.
- Keeping a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
Should the report state that the installation is unsatisfactory due to C1, C2 observations or further investigative work is necessary, this work must be completed within 28 days, or within a shorter period if specified in the report. The landlord must then provide the tenant and the local authority with written confirmation from the electrician that the remedial works have been carried out within 28 days of them being completed.
At MS Electrical we specialise in fixed wire testing and PAT testing in Cambridge. If you’re a private landlord, simply call us on 01223 850301 or complete our enquiry form to request a no-obligation quotation for your EICRs.