All About an Electrical Test Certificate!

What is an Electrical Test Certificate-EICR?

An Electrical Test Certificate (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a certificate that describes the state, quality, and safety of all electrical installations and fixtures in your home. 

An Electrical Test Certificate inspection is required for all new and existing tenancies beginning April 1, 2021. This article will highlight some key points to help you understand the significance of an Electrical Test Certificate, how the processes work, and what happens if an Electrical test is not performed as required.

Electrical safety checks for rental properties protect both the property and its tenants. Although many landlords already follow the aforementioned procedure and ensure that the safest and most efficient electrical practices are implemented on their properties, others may not be as compliant.

What does the Electrical Test Certificate imply for landlords?

The Electrical Test Certificate laws spell out the landlord’s responsibilities in terms of electrical safety and quality in the premises. 

These are mandatory for all private landlords in England, and they cover the following topics:

•    In inhabited rental buildings, the Electrical Test Certificate guarantees that the electrical standard and safety level are met.

•    It also assures that a certified specialist inspects all electrical installations in the rental house on a regular basis. Unless an Electrical Certificate demands it sooner, regular intervals usually refer to testing every five years.

•    The landlord should receive a report from the qualified engineer/electrician carrying out the inspection. This report will provide the result of the Electrical Test as well as the date of the next inspection.

•    The landlord has to supply a copy of the Electrical Test Certificate to all existing tenants in the property within 28 days of the inspection.

•    Once the local housing authority has requested a copy of the Electrical Test Certificate, the landlord is expected to produce it within seven days.

•    A copy of the Electrical Test Certificate should be retained and handed to the qualified person who will be performing the inspection and testing the next time.

•    The landlord must be able to provide new renters and prospective tenants with the most recent copy of the Electrical Test Certificate, upon request.

What exactly does an Electrical Test Certificate entail?

 Electrical Installation Condition Reports must be completed by a fully qualified and registered engineer:

•    A competent specialist will conduct an electrical test to search for any potential electric shock or fire concerns.

•    The property will be inspected for any electrical circuits or appliances that are overloaded.

•    Any faulty electrical work, as well as any earthing or bonding issues, will be identified.

Local authorities and property brokers will only recognise Electrical Test Certificates provided by competent professionals, so it is critical for the landlord to verify that the Electrical test is performed by a licensed engineer.

What if the Electrical Test determines that the property is unsafe?

Any faults, damage, or unsafe circumstances discovered in the property will be detailed in the Electrical Test Certificate. If the Electrical test determines that the property is unsafe and the electrical systems are deemed inadequate, remedial action will be necessary. 

The landlord must ensure that the report’s recommendations and flaws are addressed and corrected by a qualified person. This must be completed within 28 days or the time frame specified in the report.

The landlord must get written proof that the safety standards have been satisfied and the property is in a safe condition as the final stage. This confirmation must come from a knowledgeable source.

Violations of the Electrical Test laws might result in financial fines

The local authority will issue a remedy notice to the landlord if the landlord’s obligations have not been satisfied or have been infringed. The landlord is now responsible for completing the work that has been advised. If the local authority determines that the landlord has obviously broken the rules, it has the jurisdiction to issue a notice of intent to impose a financial penalty on the landlord. The pecuniary penalty will vary depending on the circumstances, but will not exceed £30,000.

What is the validity period of the Electrical Test Certificate?

The validity of an Electrical Test Certificate is five years. If you are unsure about the validity or expiration date of your Certificate, you should double-check it to avoid problems later.

Exemptions from the Electrical Test requirement for some types of tenancies:

•    Tenancies in which the tenant and a member of the landlord’s family share the property.

•    Long lease tenancies are those that provide you the right to live somewhere for more than seven years.

•    Tenancies in which the landlord provides both private and socially registered dwellings.

•    Hostels, care homes, healthcare complexes, hospitals, and refuges are only a few examples.

•    Student housing.

Electrical checks and new constructions

Newly constructed properties are only required to obtain an Electrical Test Certificate five years after the date of issue of their EIC certificate.

Instead of an Electrical Test, properties that have been entirely rewired will need to obtain an EICR certificate.

The cost of obtaining an Electrical Test Certificate 

The cost of an Electrical Certificate typically ranges between £80 and £150, depending on the provider, region, and size of your property. 

MyConstructor provides excellent value for money and nationwide services with flexible working hours, all of which are performed by qualified specialists. 

Visit our MyConstructor site to book your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for just £69. For landlords who manage many properties, we even offer considerable block booking discounts.

Conclusion

It is critical for landlords to get and review their Electrical Test Certificate every five years. It protects your renters by ensuring the health and safety of your building’s electrical infrastructure. 

This is a type of preventative maintenance that ensures that any possible faults are addressed before an accident or other negative consequences occur.

For more information, visit our MyConstructor and request an Electrical Test Certificate quote from one of our knowledgeable tradespeople.