The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (the Electrical Regulations)

A qualified Electrician will need to carry out a full inspection and testing of the fixed wiring in the property to ensure that electrical safety standards are compliant.

This will include identifying any remedial work, which will need to be undertaken.

If the electrical installation is safe and does not require any remedial action, then no further action will be required until such time that the EICR expires.

Remedial works on occupied properties must be undertaken as soon as possible. Remedial works on vacant properties must be undertaken prior to the activation of a new lease.

Provision of the report to tenants will be required prior to the commencement of their new or renewed tenancy.

As managing agents, we will also require a copy of the EICR as the Local Authority can request a copy of the report and proof of all works carried out. Fulfilment of any request by the Local Authority must be within 7 days.

The new Electrical Regulations will apply to a property:

• Available for let as from 01^st June 2020  as a new tenancy

• Where there is an existing tenant and, after the 01^st June 2020, you agree to them remaining following the expiry of a fixed term and you agree a further fixed term tenancy (renewal)

• If you have an existing tenant and, after the 01^st of June 2020 you agree to them remaining on a periodic tenancy following the expiry of a fixed term (the tenancy becomes a Statutory Periodic Tenancy)

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and any remedial works information must be provided to the tenant before move in, to tenants when they are renewing their fixed term tenancy, or where their tenancy is continuing on a statutory period basis (as the case may be).

Where you use our fully managed service we will contact you prior to the scheduled end date of the current tenancy to discuss your requirements in relation to the an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

The Electrical Regulations will apply to all tenancies from 1^st April 2021.

For all long-term fixed tenancies, or long-term continuing periodic tenancies, the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will need to be arranged with effect from 1^st April 2021.

Please be aware that the Aviva Rent Protection Policy may be invalidated if you do not obtain a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) as required.

If you already have an existing Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at the necessary standard, then no further action should be required until the point of expiry of the current certificate. If your property develops an electrical fault in the meantime then the electrician may re-assess the electrics to current standards as part of attending to any fault.

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is usually valid for up to five years (or sooner as specified on the report).

Landlords that already have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) should send this as soon as possible to YMLettingsEICR@your-move.co.uk regulatory compliance and may also be required for insurance purposes.

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will show whether the electrical installation is in a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory condition and will detail a list of observations affecting the safety or requiring improvements.

These observations will be supported by codes.

C1: Immediate Danger – There is danger present, risk of injury and immediate remedial action is required

C2: Potentially Dangerous - Urgent remedial action is required

C3: Non-Compliance – Improvement recommended

Under Amendment 3 there is also a Code for:

FI : Which stands for ‘Further Investigation’ is required – Where there is a fault or unknown circuit that may require further investigation within 28 days.

The local Council authority will enforce the legislation. They will have the legal power to enforce any remedial works.

If the local authority has reason to believe that urgent remedial action is needed, they can serve the Remedial Action Notice on the landlord and to all the occupiers of the property. The local authority can apply a financial penalty for serious breaches of up to £30,000.

Any Electrical Inspector you employ to undertake the electrical inspection and testing within your property must have:

• Adequate Insurance of 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 carrying out periodic inspection and testing

This will depend on the size of the property and the number of circuits that require testing but most reports will take 2-4 hours. 

An inspector is permitted into your property by following current government guidelines and social distancing. Your Move has engaged with its contractors to ensure they have adopted appropriate COVID Secure risk management procedures.

Government guidance to landlords during the pandemic has confirmed that landlords will be deemed to be complying with their responsibilities provided all reasonable steps have been taken to comply with the legislation and as such, we will keep work streams, copies of all communication and complete notes on your file in such scenarios where your tenant is unable to provide entry.

We anticipate that there will be a high demand from our clients for electricians to complete these works and recommend that you act now to ensure that you are prepared to meet the requirements of the Electrical Regulations as they apply to your property and tenancy. Any delays may mean works cannot be pre-booked and tasks completed in time.

Our services are summarised as follows:

For landlords on our Fully Managed service:

• We will arrange for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a compliant and qualified electrical inspector

• We will make contact with your tenant on your behalf to explain the legal
  requirements and to arrange a convenient time for the contractor to attend

• We will consult with you regarding the report and any required remedial works

• We will support you in meeting your obligations to comply

For landlords on our Rent Collection service:
Whilst our service agreement does not include the management of the report and/or any required remedial works, we are able to arrange for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from a compliant and qualified electrical inspector.

The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can vary. Please contact your local branch to get an accurate cost.