Know the Benefits of EICR Report for Landlord

An EICR is one of the most important reports you will need as a landlord. It stands for ‘electrical installation condition report’, and it is required every three to five years, as every electrical installation is prone to deterioration over time. Think of the EICR report as an important aspect of ensuring the safety of your property against electrical fires and accidents. The safety check is also known as ‘periodic inspections’, which will provide information on whether your electrical installations are ‘unsatisfactory’ or ‘satisfactory’. The outcome will usually depend on the installation’s condition.

An EICR for landlord can either be a visual condition report or a periodic inspection report. The latter is usually recommended because it tests installations and identifies any concealed damage. The other is only recommended if you have tested the installation recently, and you need an EICR for extra assurance.

When getting an EICR for landlord compliance, you need to make sure that the inspection is conducted only by a qualified electrician, preferably someone NAPIT, ELECSA, or NICEIC registered. That way, you can be sure that they can check your electrical systems against BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations or IEE Wiring Regulations. The EICR will reveal if any electrical appliance, equipment, or circuit is overloaded, and if there is any fire hazards or potential electric shocks that can occur. During inspection, the electrician may also identify any defective electrical work. The report may also highlight the lack of bonding or earthing.

The best time to get an EICR report is every three to five years. If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), then you are legally required to get an EICR for landlord every five years, together with a periodic test and inspection. Remember that as the landlord, you are responsible for making sure that your electrical installations and appliances are safe. You can give your tenants more confidence in the quality of your property when you can show them you’re EICR. The electrician can also provide a schedule of circuits after testing and inspection, and it can become a useful asset to your property, in case you intend to make renovations or changes to the structure.