What is an EICR Certificate? Electrical Safety for Landlords and Homeowners

What is an EICR Certificate? Electrical Safety Explained

An EICR certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a document that certifies the safety and condition of a property's electrical installations. It is essential for ensuring that the wiring, sockets, fuse boxes, and other electrical components are in safe working order. In the UK, an EICR is required by law for landlords to ensure the electrical systems in their rental properties are safe for tenants.

This guide will explain the importance of an EICR certificate, how the inspection works, and why it’s vital for both landlords and homeowners to maintain electrical safety standards.

What is an EICR Certificate?

An EICR certificate is issued after a qualified electrician conducts an electrical inspection of a property’s electrical systems. It assesses the safety of electrical installations and identifies any issues that may pose a risk, such as faults or outdated wiring.

The EICR report provides a detailed assessment of:

• Electrical wiring and circuit integrity.
• Fuse boxes (consumer units) and electrical panels.
• Sockets, switches, and light fittings.
• Bonding and earthing of the electrical system.
• Any overloads or potential hazards within the system.

The purpose of the EICR is to identify any electrical faults, wear and tear, or issues that could lead to fire or electric shock, and to ensure the property complies with electrical safety regulations.

Why is an EICR Certificate Important?

Ensuring electrical safety is a key responsibility for both landlords and homeowners. Here’s why having a valid EICR certificate is essential:

1. Legal Requirement for Landlords

• Since 1st July 2020, all landlords in the UK are legally required to obtain an EICR certificate for their rental properties. This regulation ensures that the electrical installations in rented properties are safe and up to standard.

• Landlords must ensure that a qualified electrician inspects the electrical installations at least once every 5 years and provides a valid EICR certificate. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £30,000.

2. Safety for Tenants and Residents

• Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of fires in homes. Regular electrical inspections help prevent potential hazards, ensuring that tenants and residents are protected from electrical accidents, shocks, and fires.

3. Peace of Mind for Homeowners

• For homeowners, having an EICR provides peace of mind that their property’s electrical systems are safe and functioning correctly. It’s particularly important when buying or selling a property, as an up-to-date EICR can demonstrate the electrical integrity of the home.

4. Insurance Compliance

• Some home insurance policies may require an EICR to ensure that the property meets electrical safety standards. An EICR can protect landlords and homeowners by reducing the risk of claims being rejected due to faulty electrical installations.

What Does an EICR Inspection Involve?

An EICR inspection involves a qualified electrician thoroughly assessing the electrical installations in your property. The process typically includes:

1. Visual Inspection
   The electrician will conduct a visual check of the wiring, sockets, fuse box, and other electrical installations to spot any obvious signs of wear, damage, or improper installation.

2. Testing of Electrical Components
   A series of tests are carried out to assess the condition of electrical circuits, connections, and protective devices. This includes testing the earthing and bonding, which are crucial for safety in case of a fault.

3. Assessing Compliance with Standards
   The inspection checks whether the property’s electrical system complies with the latest British Standard BS 7671 requirements for electrical installations.

4. Identification of Issues
   The EICR report will highlight any electrical defects or safety concerns and classify them into one of the following categories:

   • C1 (Immediate Danger): Immediate remedial action required as the issue poses a risk of injury or fire.
   • C2 (Potential Danger): Urgent repairs needed as the issue could become a danger if left unchecked.
   • C3 (Improvement Recommended): The installation is safe but could benefit from improvement for better safety.
   • FI (Further Investigation Required): The condition of the installation cannot be determined, and further investigation is required.

What Happens After an EICR Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will issue the EICR certificate, which outlines the findings of the inspection. The report will indicate whether the electrical installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory:

• If the installation is satisfactory, no further action is required, and the certificate will be valid for five years.
• If the installation is unsatisfactory, the report will specify the issues that need to be addressed (such as C1 or C2 codes). The landlord or homeowner will need to arrange for remedial work to be carried out within a specified time frame.

Once the necessary repairs are made, a follow-up inspection will be conducted to confirm that the issues have been resolved, and an updated EICR certificate will be issued.

How Often Do You Need an EICR Certificate?

For rental properties, landlords must obtain a new EICR certificate every five years or upon a change of tenancy. Landlords must also provide tenants with a copy of the latest EICR certificate at the beginning of their tenancy and give a copy to the local authority if requested.

For homeowners, it’s recommended to have an EICR inspection every 10 years or when major electrical work is carried out in the property. If you are selling a property, an up-to-date EICR can make the process smoother by providing evidence that the electrical system is safe.

EICR Certificate Costs

The cost of obtaining an EICR certificate depends on the size of the property and the complexity of its electrical installations. Generally, the cost ranges from £100 to £300, with larger properties costing more due to the additional time required for inspection.

How Fraser Bond Can Help

At Fraser Bond, we assist landlords and homeowners in obtaining EICR certificates by connecting them with qualified electricians who can carry out thorough electrical inspections. Our services include:

• EICR Inspections: We help arrange EICR inspections for rental and residential properties, ensuring you meet legal requirements and maintain a safe living environment.

• Remedial Work: If your EICR report identifies issues, we can recommend trusted professionals to carry out the necessary repairs, ensuring your property is safe and compliant.

• Ongoing Support: Our team provides ongoing advice to landlords and homeowners on maintaining electrical safety and keeping EICR certificates up to date.

Conclusion

An EICR certificate is essential for ensuring the electrical safety of a property, particularly for landlords who are legally required to provide it for rental properties. Regular electrical inspections help prevent hazards, protect tenants, and ensure properties are compliant with safety regulations.

For help obtaining your EICR certificate, contact Fraser Bond today. We’ll assist you in arranging a professional inspection to ensure your property’s electrical systems are safe and compliant.