The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
IS YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY COMPLIANT WITH THE ELECTRICS?
Introduction
As part of the government’s ongoing work to improve the safety in the private rented sector, from the 1st of June 2020 the government brought in regulations that require all new tenancies in rented properties to have a satisfactory Electrical safety certificate (EICR) in place. From the 1st of April 2021, these regulations will be extended to all new and existing tenancies.
Whilst it may seem like another onerous task for a landlord, it can actually highlight important safety issues with your property’s fixed electrics. Sometimes it is just a minor job but sometimes more work is needed. Once everything is satisfied the certificates can last for up to 5 years. They are also useful to have for any prospective purchasers when you come to sell your home.
This short guide will let you know what to expect from the inspections and what to look out for
The Official Name: ‘The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020’
Quick Fact!
What does EICR stand for? Electrical Installation Condition Report
The Test
The EICR focuses on the fixed aspects of the electrical installation in your property and the electrician will look at things such as your fuse board, sockets, switches and light fittings to name a few. They won’t always look at every single one but a selection to get an idea of the condition of your electrics. The amount they have checked should be found on your report. They will be looking at the overall condition, whether anything is overloaded or a fire/electrocution risk and whether there is sufficient earthing or bonding where necessary.
The test itself must be conducted by an electrician who is a qualified and competent person as per the government guidelines. Always try to use a reputable contractor. An important aspect of the inspection is the standard at which the electrical installation is tested against. The acceptable standard that applies for private rented propertied is British Standard 7671 as set out in the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations. This edition came out in 2019 so even if you have a certificate that was done in the past 5 years, it may not be to the new legal standard.
Landlord’s should have a new test done at a maximum of every 5 years, unless a shorter interval is recommend by the electrician. This may be based on the age or condition of the installation. Even if your report says it doesn’t need to be done for 10 years, as a landlord you must ensure it is done every 5 years under these regulations. If you have a new build home or have had a full rewire, you will get an EIC or Electrical Installation Certificate. These can be provided to tenants in place of an EICR and a further check carried out in 5 years.
THE RESULTS
Once the test has been completed, your electrician will provide you with a full report outlining the results of the test. Most of this is technical information but there are some important aspects to take note of:
• Overall Result and summary – this will be displayed as ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’ with additional comments
• The date of the test and time required until the next one – make a note of this date to ensure your next one is booked in on time. Be aware that on unsatisfactory certificates, there is still a time require until the next one but this is subject to remedial works.
• Any limitations of the report – this could be no access to certain areas or inspection of internal wall cables.
• A signed and date declaration by the electrician and their supervisor where applicable. This is essential to make the report valid.
• An observations section – this shows any observations relating to the installation which are categorized into four categories.
• There will sometimes be additional pictures associated with the observations.
It is important that if you are not sure of what any of the report means, that you get further guidance as soon as possible – especially if your report has come back as unsatisfactory.
Written By Neil Raja
by 
Share this with
Email
Facebook
Messenger
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Copy this link