An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a legal requirement for landlords across the UK. Only certified electricians in Leicestershire and across the UK can provide landlords with an EICR.
An EICR for a rental property indicates that the fuses, electrical wiring, sockets, and other electrical components are safe and in perfect working order. This, in turn, guarantees that a landlord’s property conforms to the UK’s strict safety regulations.
Additionally, with an EICR, landlords can ensure their tenants will not be put at risk of harm. All a landlord would have to do is hire a certified electrician every five years and let the professional carry out the test on the property.
Why Landlord Electrical Safety Inspections Are Non-Negotiable?
Investing in rental properties here in the UK is a brilliant way to secure a steady stream of income. However, being a landlord in the UK is taxing.
Landlords are not only renting out their property but also providing a home or a place to do business for those who need it.
Electrical infrastructure, such as concealed wiring, sockets, or consumer units, can deteriorate over time.
Landlords cannot ignore these invisible risks. If they do, then they are not only putting their property at risk but also putting the tenants in harm’s way.
The saving grace for a landlord in the UK is a certified EICR issued by certified electricians in Leicestershire, for instance.
Why?
An EICR offers several benefits to UK landlords, as follows.
The Strict Legal Obligations for UK Landlords
EICR removes guesstimates from the proverbial equation. This allows landlords to ensure their rental property meets the UK’s electrical safety standards.
If a rental property fails to comply, then landlords can expect steep fines of up to £30,000.
Additionally, without a valid EICR, landlords can have their insurance policies invalidated in their entirety. If that happens, then a landlord will be left financially vulnerable if an accident occurs at one of the many rental properties they own.
Protecting Your Property Asset and Investment
A valid EICR is an asset protection measure.
Think of an electrical fire at a flat that you own and have let out to young couples with newborn kids. That accident will not only destroy your real estate asset but will also put the lives of people with their entire unlived lives at risk.
Are you willing to live with that?
Call a team of experienced electricians in Leicestershire so that they come in and systematically test your rental property’s circuits, identify overloaded systems and flag defective wiring.
That is the best way to be a responsible landlord: extend the life of your property and its infrastructure, and avoid costly overhauls in the near future.
What Happens During the Actual Inspection?
During an EICR inspection, a team of certified electricians will thoroughly inspect a rental property’s electrical infrastructure.
The team of experts, using their skills, experience, appropriate tools and seasoned eyes, identify potential shock risks. They will also ensure the property has sufficient bonding and earthing.
Additionally, they will flag any DIY electrical work across the property that does not meet UK safety standards.
After the experts finish inspecting the property, you, the landlord, will receive a detailed report. If your property passes the inspection, then it’s compliant for the next 5 years. If the inspection reveals electrical faults on your property, the experts will categorise them by severity.
In this way, landlords would have access to a detailed action plan they can follow to fix all electrical faults throughout their property and make it compliant again.
Secure The Future Of Your Rental Property
For landlords, keeping their rental property compliant with the UK’s safety norms is not a taxing task. All a landlord would have to do is embed certified EICR testing into their rental property’s regular maintenance schedule.
In this way, a landlord can establish themself as a reputable and responsible individual who goes the extra mile to keep their tenants safe.
Additionally, if you are a landlord, remember that rental properties with valid EICRs will attract deep-pocketed, long-term tenants.
To sum it all up, to protect tenants, preserve your rental property, and safeguard your revenue streams, invest in certified EICR testing services from reputable electrical contractors such as R Morgan Electrical Services Ltd.