EICR's for Landlords

One of the most effective ways to do this is by carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). In this blog post, we will discuss why EICRs are important and what is involved in the process.

Tyne Electrical Services Ltd is a NICEIC Approved Contractor and are also part of the Private Rental Sector scheme. As part of being on that scheme we carry higher level of Public Liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

Why do we need EICRs?

EICRs are important for a number of reasons, including:

• Safety: The safety of tenants is the most important reason for carrying out an EICR. An EICR will identify any potential electrical hazards, such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged sockets, which could pose a risk to the tenant's safety.
• Compliance: As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure that your rental properties meet certain electrical safety standards. An EICR will help you to demonstrate that you have taken the necessary steps to meet your legal obligations.
• Cost-effective: An EICR is a cost-effective way to identify any potential electrical hazards before they become a more serious problem. By identifying and addressing these issues early on, you can avoid more costly repairs in the future.

What is involved in the EICR process?

The EICR process involves a qualified electrician carrying out a thorough inspection of the electrical systems in your rental property. This will typically include:

1. Visual inspection: The electrician will carry out a visual inspection of the electrical systems in the property, looking for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. This is why we need access to the socket and switches at the property. 
2. Testing: The electrician will then carry out a series of tests on the electrical systems, including checking the earthing and bonding arrangements, the polarity of sockets, and the resistance of circuits, so we will need access to the stop cock and other incoming services. We will ask for everything to be unplugged as one of the tests we carry out can put up to 500v through the circuits in the property. 
3. Reporting: Once the inspection and testing are complete which can take up to 4 hours in a 2/3 bedroom house, the electrician will produce a report detailing any defects or potential hazards identified during the inspection. The report will also include recommendations for remedial action.
4. Remedial work: If any defects or hazards are identified, the electrician will provide a quote for any necessary remedial work. It is important to note that any necessary remedial work must be carried out within 28 days of the EICR being completed.

In conclusion, EICRs are an essential part of ensuring the safety of your tenants and complying with your legal obligations as a landlord. By carrying out an EICR, you can identify any potential electrical hazards and take the necessary steps to address them. If you are a landlord in the private rental sector and need to arrange an EICR for your property in Colyton, contact Tyne Electrical Services Ltd today for a professional and reliable service.