WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
An Electrical Installation Condition Report EICR previously known as FIXED WIRE TESTING is an extensive check of the electrical installations and wiring by a qualified electrician to ensure they are safe to use and comply with modern standards mostly in a rented homes.
EICR inspections are often referred to by different names like’ hard wiring testing’, ‘periodic inspection’, ‘electrical safety certificate’ etc.
A qualified electrician will test the fuse board, each circuit, and other aspects of electrical installation in the property, including identifying any potential fire hazards or electric shock risks. One of the major checks for EICR inspection is checking the fuse board is up-to-date with the latest electrical safety regulations. This should include RCD protection (these are devices within the circuit that stop people from suffering electric shocks if they touch a live wire or faulty electrical component) and circuit breakers that work well.
ANY FAULTS ARE CODED AS:
Further inspection needed (F1)
Immediately dangerous (C1), faults need fixing there and urgently
Potentially dangerous (C2) improvements are recommended but not required as issues are less of a danger that the electrician can leave for a while.
Recommended tasks that are not unsafe (C3).faults are not unsafe but warning signs that something is not right and will likely worsen.
HOW LONG DOES AN EICR TAKE?
Normally it takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to inspect an average size property but this may vary as a property with complex electrical issues or system will take longer than the average time.
WHEN DOES EICR REQUIRED FOR LANDLORD?
EICR should be conducted every 5 year by law and a certificate should be issued once inspection is complete. It is also required that landlords should give their tenants a copy of the EICR certificate.
WHAT IF A PROPERTY FAILS THE INSPECTION?
If the report shows that the property is not safe due to electrical issues, the landlord must ensure that recommended remedial work or issues detailed in the report is carried out by a qualified electrician. These issues must be fixed within 28 days or within the period specified in the report that is starting from the date of the inspection.
The landlord must obtain written confirmation from the qualified electrician that an electrical issue has been fixed and the electrical safety standards by law have been met. Then confirmation must be given to the tenant and local authorities in that area, along with a copy of the original report.
CAN SOMEONE MOVE INTO MY PROPERTY THAT STILL NEEDS WORK?
Something to note is that your property will still be required to undergo work within 28 days, if the electricity in a property is considered unacceptable by EICR. It is advised that these works are completed prior to the moving in of your tenant. Should a tenant move into your property while the electricity is dangerous, your tenant will be at risk of getting hurt and you as the landlord will be accountable for this. If it’s your first time renting out a property and it does not have EICR, it is advised to get this done well in advance before getting the contract signed.
DO I STILL NEED AN EICR IF I HAVE JUST REWIRED?
Additional checks or EICR will not need to be done on properties that fall in this category until five year post the issuing of EIC as long as the property meets the regulations. If your property has been fully required, you should be provided with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). If demanded for, landlords can produce EIC to tenants and the local authority.
WHO CAN DO EICR CHECK?
It is essential that an EICR, Electrical Installation Condition Report must be done by an electrician by the NICEIC standards.
ARE THERE PENALTIES FOR NOT HAVING AN EICR?
Landlords could potentially be penalised and will have to pay up to £30,000 if the local council issues a fine as they have the power to do this. Your local council handles landlords that don’t have EICR. If landlords disregard the 28-day notice that is issued by the council to complete electrical works in their property, the council can carry out maintenance checks and the landlord could get charged.
WHAT OUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CAN OFFER YOU?
Maintaining your property may feel like a great task to undertake. At IQueue Property Solutions, we can implement a range of maintenance jobs for landlords of residential and commercial properties and homeowners alike.
IQueue Property Solutions is proud of the exceptional level of care and attention we have on every single project we undertake whether it’s small or big.
We can undertake a variety of property maintenance and repair **INSERT INTERLINK ON SERVICES** services on both residential and commercial properties, these includes;
- End of tenancy refreshment
- End of tenancy cleaning
- Carpentry & joinery
- Cleaning services
- Damp proofing & timber treatment
- Repairing and maintenance of central heating by Gas Safe Engineers. Landlord certificates can also be provided. Plumbing
- Kitchen & bathroom installation & repair
- Electrical reports, inspections & repairs
- Painting & decorating
- Plastering & rendering
- Property maintenance & repair
- Water damage & insurance work
- Tiling
- Mastic/Sealant
To speak to a member of the team about your property maintenance requirements, please call us on 07432 096 829 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday or email us at iqueuepropertysolutions@gmail.com.