LANDLORDS – Compliance Considerations: We're Here to Support You

Comprehensive Electrical Compliance Services for Landlords

At Somerset EPS, we provide a fully comprehensive service to ensure landlords meet all current electrical regulations.

As a homeowner, you want the assurance that the electrics in your property are safe. Building regulations mandate that your electrical installation must be tested every ten years if you own your home. For landlords, the requirement is every five years for any rented accommodation. It's also advisable to conduct a new inspection when there is a change of tenants.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

The EICR, formerly known as the Periodic Inspection Report, is conducted by a qualified electrician and includes:

• 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 protect against electric shock
• Testing the condition of the electrical cabling in the property

Landlord Responsibilities Since 2021

Landlords must ensure the electrical installation is safe when tenants move in and that it remains safe throughout the tenancy. The government mandates regular electrical inspections by competent and qualified inspectors, with financial penalties for non-compliance. This regulation is part of the government's effort to improve standards in the rental sector.

There was a transitional period during the first two years of these regulations. Initially, the rules applied to new tenancies in the first year and then to existing tenancies in the second year. Existing EICRs remain valid for five years from the inspection date.

New or fully rewired properties with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) can use this in place of the EICR, provided the next inspection date on the certificate has not passed.

Ensuring Competence and Qualifications

Landlords must ensure the electrical inspectors they hire meet the minimum competence and qualification standards as per government guidelines. Recommended governing bodies like NAPIT and NICEIC verify that professionals are:

• Regularly assessed and audited
• Safe and compliant with current regulations
• Fully insured

Electrical engineers must have:

• Adequate insurance, including 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 periodic inspection and testing

Benefits of Using Registered Inspectors

Using a NAPIT or NICEIC registered inspector ensures:

• Verified qualifications, experience, and competence
• Regular assessments to confirm ongoing competence, insurance, and record-keeping
• Compliance checks on inspection work

Landlord Testimonial

"As a landlord, ensuring my properties meet all electrical safety standards is crucial. Somerset EPS has been an invaluable partner in achieving this. Their team is professional, knowledgeable, and reliable. They provide peace of mind knowing my properties are safe for my tenants and compliant with all regulations. I highly recommend their services to fellow landlords." - John Williams, Property Owner, Somerset

Ensure your property is safe and compliant with Somerset EPS. Contact us today for a comprehensive electrical compliance service tailored for landlords.