Enquiry Contact Form
Electrical Testing And Inspection
Powerahead Ltd Specialises in Electrical Installation Condition Report (EIRC) of Electrical Installations. in domestic and commercial premises, areas we cover are Winchmore Hill, Hertfordshire, Southgate, Enfield, Barnet, Stanmore, Edgware, Borehamwood, Elstree, Radlett, Cuffley, Goffs Oak, Cheshunt, Palmers Green, Hampstead, North London, North West London and West London Areas. All electrical inspection and testing is done to comply with BS7671, the 17th edition of the IEE wiring regulations.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EIRC) of Rented Properties Electrical Safety - The Key Points - Landlord Safety Certificate
- There are around 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents annually in the UK involving electrics, so don't think it can't happen in your properties.
- If you let property in England & Wales you must ensure that electrical equipment and the electrical system are safe.
- There is currently no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it advisable to do so as you can still be liable if things go wrong.
- You should ensure that tenants are given copies of operating and safety instructions for ALL equipment in the premises and you should carry out regular checks.
- Some gas service companies (Gas Safe Registered) now do electrical checks when they do the annual gas checks.
Fully Documented Rented Property Electrical Safety Testing and Inspection
The ‘Landlords Electrical Safety Certificate’ provide evidence of compliance with relevant legislation and are suitable for all domestic and commercial building.
Apart from the Landlord's Common Law duty of care, the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 (and several other statutory regulations see below) requires that the electrical equipment is safe at the start of every tenancy and maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.
Electrical hazards are also covered by the Housing Health and safety Rating System under the Housing Act 2004.
In the case of commercial property and houses in multiple occupation there is a statutory duty under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 for the responsible person (the property manager) to carry out annual Fire Safety Risk Assessments, which include electrical safety risks.
If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:
- A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
- Six month's imprisonment
- Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths
- The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
- Your property insurance may be invalidated
Recommendations for Landlords
It is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. But, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant you could be held liable.
Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are high.
You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.
- Ideally, ensure that the electrical system complies with the latest wiring regulations.
- Make sure a circuit breaker (RCD) is fitted to power circuits.
- Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
- Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order - keep purchase receipts.
- Pay particular attention to second hand equipment - always have these items checked.
- Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
- Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
- Ensure that earth tags are in place.
- Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
- Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
- Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
- Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
- Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.
If you are in any doubt about the wiring or the safety of any appliances consult a qualified electrician.
Compliance
We strongly recommend that any Landlord, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe.
In order to do this we recommend:
- Annual visual inspections by the landlord or agent - recording this on a safety checklist.
- Inspections on tenant change-overs, recording electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted - see PAT Testing.
- Periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a qualified electrician.
- 5 yearly inspections by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and that the electrical system complies with current electrical regulations.
- Keep all records of these inspections.
Due Diligence
In the event of a tenant complaint or an incident the defence of "due diligence" may be accepted where it can be shown that the landlord or agent took all reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence - you will need documentary evidence of this.
A private owner letting a single dwelling (not in the course of business) may have a defence, whereas an agent acting on his behalf will not. However, an agent merely introducing a tenant and not becoming involved in the inventory or management of the tenancy my well be exempt from liability.
Regulations
There is no statutory obligation on landlords or agents to have professional checks carried out on the electrical system or appliances. However, under Common Law and various statutory regulations: The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, The Housing Act 2004, The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, there is an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe.
In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuilding comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY electrical work you must belong to one of the Government's approved Competent Person Self-Certification schemes or submit a building notice to the local authority before doing the work.
Visual Condition Reports – Certificates for Intended Buyers
This report is intended to be issued only for the purpose of reporting on the condition of an existing electrical installation. The report indentifies any damage, deterioration and visually evident defetcs.
Fully Qualified and Competent Electricians
All electrical inspection and testing work at rented properties on behalf of landlords is carried out by fully qualified and competent electricians. We are providing our customers with Periodic Inspection Report (PIR’s) and Electrical Installation Certificate. All our electricians are qualified to the latest 17th Edition of the IEE wiring regulations and City and Guilds 2391.
