Benfleet, Essex
Landlord EICR Benfleet
If you rent out a property in Benfleet, you need to know the fixed electrical installation is safe, and you need to be able to prove it.
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- Covering Essex
- EICR and related services
Landlord electrical inspections in Benfleet
A landlord EICR is the electrical installation condition report that does this. Here is what it involves and when to book.
What a landlord EICR involves
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal electrical inspection of the fixed wiring in a property, sometimes called fixed wire testing. It covers the consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, light fittings, switches and earthing and bonding.
The electrician carries out visual checks and electrical testing on the installation, then records what they find in the report. The aim is to spot damage, wear, overloaded circuits and anything that could cause shock or fire.
For the best result, make sure the electrician can reach every room, the consumer unit and any outbuildings or garages on the same supply. Tenanted homes need a little notice so tenants can arrange access, and some circuits will be switched off for short periods during testing.
When to call: the five year rule and other triggers
In England, private landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report says so. The rules apply to most private tenancies, including houses in multiple occupation.
Common times to book a landlord EICR:
Before a new tenancy starts, so you have a current report to hand over.
When your existing report is approaching five years old.
After major electrical work or a rewire.
When you buy a rental property and do not have a recent report.
If a tenant reports tripping circuits, scorch marks, buzzing sockets or flickering lights, do not wait for the five years to pass. Get it looked at.
Understanding the codes and the result
The report gives an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Individual issues are given codes.
C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. C2 means potentially dangerous. FI means further investigation is required. C3 means improvement is recommended. Any C1, C2 or FI observation makes the report unsatisfactory.
If your report is unsatisfactory, the regulations expect remedial work to be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report states a shorter period. You then need written confirmation that the work is done. C3 items do not make a report fail, but they are worth reading, as they often point to ageing equipment.
Your paperwork and choosing an electrician
Keep the full report safe. Tenants must receive a copy within 28 days of the inspection, and new tenants before they move in. Your local council can ask for a copy too, and you must supply it within seven days of the request.
When you choose who carries out the inspection, ask whether they are suitably qualified to inspect and test electrical installations, and ask to see evidence. A report is only as useful as the person who signed it.
PAT testing is a different job. It checks portable appliances, such as a kettle or a lamp you supply. It is not a legal requirement for landlords, but many choose to do it for furnished lets. It does not replace an EICR.
Questions about this
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
At least every five years in England, or sooner if the last report recommends it. A fresh report before a new tenancy is also sensible.
Is PAT testing part of a landlord EICR?
No. An EICR covers the fixed installation. PAT testing covers portable appliances you provide. They are separate checks.
What happens if my landlord EICR is unsatisfactory?
You need to arrange the remedial work, normally within 28 days or the shorter time stated in the report, and get written confirmation that it is complete.
Who needs a copy of the report?
Your tenants, within 28 days of the inspection, and new tenants before they move in. The local council can also request one, and you must provide it within seven days.
Do you cover areas near Benfleet?
Yes. EICR Benfleet serves Benfleet, Hadleigh, Thundersley, Canvey Island and Rayleigh.
What you get
Landlord EICR is a core service
EICR Benfleet offers landlord EICR alongside standard EICR, EICR for buying or selling, commercial EICR and consumer unit upgrades.
Covering Benfleet and nearby
Landlord electrical inspections are available for properties in Benfleet, Hadleigh, Thundersley, Canvey Island and Rayleigh.
Related work in one place
If a report shows an old consumer unit needs replacing, consumer unit upgrades are one of the services offered.