Reminder not to forget the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) expiry date

This month will see the first EICRs expire following the Electrical Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations coming into force in July 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing tenancies. Approaching expiry dates should be checked to allow time to arrange contractors and inspections, and any follow-up actions should be suitably recorded.

Landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person. A written EICR must be obtained with a copy given to existing tenants within 28 days.

If remedial or further investigative work is required, it must be carried out within 28 days, or sooner if specified in the report. Once completed, tenants and the local authority must receive written confirmation.

Understanding a report can be challenging, and there are four standard codes typically used in EICR reports. C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended) and FI (further investigation required).

If you would like any help or advice regarding what the regulations require, what is involved in an inspection or how to respond to any issues identified please feel free to get in touch.