5-year electrical safety tests for PRS?
Hi. I have four properties and yes all with recent electrical safety certificates. The solicitors have advised that the certificates do not have a 5-year valid period stating only the date that the certificate was issued/certified.
I think they are mixed up. The safety test and certificate is really only valid on the day it was issued. No one can foresee what might happen or what someone might do to the electrics.
The law requires the wiring installation be tested and certified every 5 years not that the installation is certified for 5 years just the landlord has a duty to have it inspected every 5 years.
Am I right or wrong here. I am in the process of incorporating with new mortgages thus the issue has come up.
Many thanks
Blair
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Who is responsible for flat damage?
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3538 - Articles: 5
10:08 AM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
you are right
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 782
12:27 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
This is only true if you have not altered the electrics during those 5 years. Any new circuit must be corrected certified or your original certificate would be invalidated.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
12:27 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
The law requires a landlord to have the electrical installation inspected at intervals of no more than 5 years but he also has a continuing responsibility to ensure that the electrical safety standards are met at all times throughout the tenancy.
If that does not answer your question perhaps you could clarify exactly what you are asking.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 2
12:39 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Also a new EICR must be carried out prior to a new tenancy, even though I had mine done last year.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
1:34 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul at 05/09/2022 – 12:39
Sorry but that is not correct. The subject was debated exhaustively when the new regulations were being introduced and whilst it is true that some electricians are in the habit of including “or on change of tenancy” on the EICR, it goes beyond what the regulations require and most landlords will not accept it.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 2
1:48 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Well that makes my test and inspection course nonsense…
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
2:25 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul at 05/09/2022 – 13:48All I can suggest is that you tell us where in the regulations it says that a new EICR must be obtained on change of tenancy.
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 342
3:43 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul at 05/09/2022 – 12:39No I think you are incorrect on your suggestion that an EICR is needed for every new tenancy. You may have been advised by an over-enthusiastic EICR person trying to get business. I have heard of this before but it’s all incorrect.
Member Since April 2017 - Comments: 23
4:10 PM, 5th September 2022, About 4 years ago
EICR is not required every change of tenancy. I can see why some electricians say that but they are reading it wrong. An EICR should have a next inspection date and it may be 2. 3, 4 or 5 years depending upon the electricals in the property. Some mistake an EIC for and EICR and tis may have a 10year date on it but it will only be valid for the first 5 years.