🏠 EICRs for Landlords: Avoid Penalties and Keep Tenants Safe

 

🏠 EICRs for Landlords: Avoid Penalties and Keep Tenants Safe

If you own a rental property, keeping your tenants safe isn’t just good practice — it’s the law. Since July 2020, landlords in England have been legally required to have their property’s electrical installation inspected at least every five years.

This is where an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) comes in. At Bluerock Electrical, we carry out professional EICRs that help landlords meet their obligations, avoid costly penalties, and protect the people living in their properties.

⚖️ The Legal Requirement: What the Law Says

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:

1. Have a qualified person inspect and test the electrical installations in the property every 5 years (or sooner if recommended in the last report).

2. Receive a written report (EICR) detailing the condition of the electrical installation, along with any necessary remedial work.

3. Provide a copy of the report to:

   • Existing tenants within 28 days

   • New tenants before they move in

   • The local housing authority within 7 days, if they request it

4. Complete any remedial work or urgent repairs identified in the EICR within 28 days (or sooner if specified).

5. Keep a copy of the report for future inspections and provide it to the next inspector.

Failing to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000 per property — so this is not something to ignore.

🔎 What an EICR Covers

An EICR is essentially a full “health check” of your property’s fixed wiring. It checks for:

• Deterioration or damage to wiring, sockets, and switches

• Overloaded circuits or faulty connections

• Risks of electric shock or fire

• Missing or outdated RCD protection

• Compliance with current 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

At the end of the inspection, you’ll receive a report with one of the following outcomes:

• Satisfactory: No immediate issues — you’re compliant.

• Unsatisfactory: One or more problems were found, coded as C1, C2, or FI (further investigation). You must fix these before the property can be declared safe.

🏚️ Why Landlords Can’t Afford to Skip an EICR

• Tenant Safety: Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. Regular inspections dramatically reduce this risk.

• Legal Compliance: Missing the 5-year deadline could put you in breach of the regulations and open you up to enforcement action.

• Avoiding Costly Emergencies: Identifying faults early prevents more expensive repairs later.

• Insurance Validity: Many insurers require evidence of regular electrical inspections for rental properties.

🧰 The Bluerock Electrical EICR Service

We make the process simple and stress-free:

• Fully qualified NICEIC-approved electricians

• Flexible booking times to minimise disruption to tenants

• Clear, jargon-free reports

• Honest advice and fair quotes for any remedial work

• Re-testing and updated certification once work is complete

We work closely with landlords and letting agents to ensure compliance deadlines are met and documentation is stored correctly.

📅 When to Book Your Next Inspection

• Every 5 years — or sooner if your last EICR recommended it

• Before a new tenancy starts (if your last report is due to expire)

• After major electrical works or fire/flood damage

• When buying a new rental property (ideal as part of your pre-purchase survey)

✅ Stay Compliant and Stress-Free

Electrical safety compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. By scheduling your inspections in advance and working with a trusted contractor like Bluerock Electrical, you can protect your tenants, your property, and your own peace of mind.

📞 Book your EICR today:

Don’t risk fines or put your tenants at risk. Contact Bluerock Electrical for a professional, fully certified inspection — and let us help you stay compliant with confidence.