If you own a rental property in England, did you know that the law changed in April 2021?
As a landlord, you will be responsible for arranging a landlord electrical safety certificate for each property you own.
From 1 April 2021, you will need a landlord electrical safety certificate (also known as an EICR certificate) for your property if you don’t already have one.
If you’re searching for ‘landlord electrical safety certificate near me’ – here’s everything you need to know.
What are the current electrical safety certificate legal requirements for landlords?
It is a legal requirement to have a valid landlord electrical safety certificate in place for each rental property you own.
This electrical safety certificate must be renewed every five years. As landlord, it’s your responsibility to organise this and ensure any works are carried out safely.
What is a landlord electrical safety certificate?
A landlord electrical safety certificate is when an electrician, engineer, or other ‘competent person’ tests the electrical installation in a rental property to make sure it is working as it should.
The electrical installation includes things like:
- Light fittings
- Wiring
- Fuse boxes
- Plug sockets.
These can deteriorate and break over time, making them more susceptible to electric shocks and causing fires.
How has the landlord electrical safety certificate law changed?
The law initially changed in July 2020. Any tenancy created or renewed after this time had to have a valid landlord electrical safety certificate in place.
On 1 April 2021, the law changed again. All rental properties now have to have a certificate in place.
Is the landlord electrical safety certificate annual?
No, the landlord electrical safety certificate does not have to be renewed annually.
Once you have a valid landlord electrical safety certificate in place, you must renew it every five years.
It’s also recommended that you get one carried out if there is a change of occupancy.
Do I need a landlord electrical safety certificate anywhere else in the UK?
Yes – you need a landlord electrical safety certificate if you are in Scotland or Wales. You don’t need one if you’re in Northern Ireland.
You also need a landlord electrical safety certificate and PAT testing certificate if you own a short-term rental like an Airbnb or holiday cottage in Scotland.
Do I need a landlord electrical safety certificate if the property is new?
If you buy a property that has been newly built or completely rewired, you do not have to get an electrical safety certificate. The Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) you were given can be used in place of an electrical safety certificate for five years.
So if you buy a new buy-to-let and the EIC was signed in November 2021, you do not have to get an electrical safety certificate until November 2026.
If your property was only partially rewired, you still need to get an EICR.
How do I get a landlord electrical safety certificate and what does it involve?
To get a landlord electrical safety certificate, you need to arrange for a ‘competent’ person like an engineer to come and inspect your electrical installation.
The engineer will visually inspect your installation for damage, and run electrical currents through your circuits to check they work safely.
They will need to turn off the electricity to carry out the inspection, so bear this in mind if you have tenants already in your property.
Then they will provide you with a report and let you know if the inspection was ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’. If it’s unsatisfactory, you need to get any faulty circuits repaired and retested within 28 days.
You can then give your tenant a copy of the report for their records, and provide a copy to your local council or insurance company if they ask for one.
More information about electrical safety certificates for landlords.
How much does a landlord electrical safety certificate cost?
It depends on the size of the electrical installation in your property.
Bear in mind that you will not only have to pay for an inspection to be carried out, but to repair any faulty circuits that are identified. This is known as remedial work.
Landlord electrical safety certificates near you
If you are looking for a reliable, high-quality, and professional company to carry out your electrical safety certificate inspection, Hawkesworth is here to help.
We have experience working with landlords across the country, meaning if you’re asking the question ‘where can I find a landlord electrical safety certificate near me?’, our team is here to help.
