Landlord electrical safety certificate legal requirement

The legal requirement of the Landlord electrical safety certificate has changed. Regulations now require landlords to hire a competent person to have the electrical installations in their rented properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a person who is qualified and competent. Additionally, the new landlord electrical safety certificate rules will help to ensure that private tenants are better protected. 

From 1st July 2020 in England, Landlords must need to ensure that all electrical installations are inspected and tested for new private tenancies by a qualified person / electrician before the tenancy begins. 

For existing tenancies, an electrical safety test will need to be carried out by 1st April 2021.

When Landlords replace the electrical installation condition report ( EICR, also known as electrical safety certificate ) for their tenant, they must provide their tenants with a copy of the new report within 28 days of the electrical testing. 

Landlord must also provide tenants with one within 28 day, if a tenant requests a copy of the electrical installation condition report in writing.

Upkeep one can carry electrical inspection and issue a landlord electrical safety certificate, commonly known as an EICR. Contact Upkeep One Now for your electrical inspections. 

What are the main landlord electrical safety certificate requirements?

Here are the requirements:

1. Ensure that their rented properties are inspected and tested by a competent and qualified person. Landlords must do this at least every 5 years.
2. Provide a copy of the EICR (electrical installation condition report) to the existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test.
3. Make sure that the prospective tenants get a copy of the electrical report within 28 days of receiving a demand for the report.
4. Give a copy of this report to new tenants before they occupy the premises.
5. Hold a copy of the electrical report to provide to the inspection and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.
6. Send the electrical report to the local authority within 7 days of receiving a request.
7. Complete all the remedial or further investigative work within 28 days or any shorter period where defined as necessary in the electrical report.
8. Provide written confirmation to the local authority and the tenant within 28 days of completion of the remedial works. Landlords would need to get the documents of completion of the remedial works from the electrician. 

Find out more from about electrical safety standards in the private rented sector guidance for landlords tenants and local authorities.