LANDLORDS – Compliance considerations, we are here to support you:

The Somerset EPS team offer a fully comprehensive landlord service to ensure electrical compliance with the current regulations.

As a private homeowner, you want the peace of mind that the electrics in your home are safe. The building regulations require your electrical installation is tested every ten years if you own your home.  For landlords, this is every five years; regarding any rented accommodation.  It is also recommended that a new inspection is undertaken on change over of occupant.

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), previously known as the Periodic Inspection Report, is carried out by a qualified inspecting electrician and involves the following:

• Inspection of the consumer unit (fuse board)
• Inspection of a sample of switches, sockets and other fixtures including light fittings
• Checking the polarity of the installation
• Testing protective devices to ensure they work to protect you and your family from electric shock
• Testing the condition of the electrical cabling in the property 

Your responsibility as a Landlord changed from 2021

In a rented property landlords must ensure the electrical installation is safe when tenants move in and that this is maintained.

Ensure mandatory electrical inspections in private rental accommodation by competent and qualified inspectors. Rules are in place by the government. Financial penalties exist supporting this compliance.  All as part of the government’s commitment to drive up standards in the rental sector.

A transitional period was in place for the first two years.  All new private tenancies applicable in the first year and this extended to existing private tenancies in the second year.

Existing electrical installation condition reports (EICR) already in place will not be required to be replaced for five years from the inspection date.

New and fully rewired properties have an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and this can take the place of the EICR - provided the date of the next inspection mentioned on the certificate has not elapsed.

Landlords must be aware of the minimum level of competence and qualifications necessary for professional inspecting electrical engineers:

Government guidelines are in place.  Always use competent and qualified electricians as recommended by governing bodies such as NAPIT and NICEIC.  Landlords can be assured that such professionals are:

• Regularly assessed and fully audited
• Safe and compliant with up to date regulations
• Fully insured

Any electrical engineer you employ to undertake the electrical inspection and testing within your property must have:

• Adequate insurance. This should include at least £2 million public liability insurance and £250,000 professional indemnity insurance.

• A qualification covering the current version of the wiring regulations (BS 7671).

• A qualification covering the periodic inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations.

• At least two years’ experience in carrying out periodic inspection and testing.

Using someone on the NAPIT or NICEIC Electrical Inspector register ensures that the above criteria are met. The advantages of using a registered company are:

• The qualifications, experience and competence of their employees have been verified

• The company is assessed regularly to verify ongoing competence and that insurance and record keeping is in place

• Their inspection work is checked for compliance