Changes to EICR regulations: What do I need to know?

Amendments to electrical safety rules affecting the private rented sector (PRS) are set to be introduced this November – with increased fines for getting things wrong.

The changes are part of a broader package of reforms that will extend the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) regulations to social housing.

EICRs are carried out to assesses the safety and condition of the electrical installations in your property, identifying any necessary repairs or improvements. In most cases they need to be completed every five years and must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

The changes that will affect PRS landlords are:

• The introduction of higher fines: The maximum civil penalty for breaching the rules will increase from £30,000 to £40,000.
• A new legal defence if tenants won’t let you in: Landlords will have a defence from prosecution if they can establish that the tenant is refusing them access for the inspection to take place. The legislation also explicitly states that landlords will not be required to start legal proceedings proceedings to secure entry to establish this defence.
• A new duty on councils to serve remedial notices: Local authorities will have a duty to serve remedial notices on landlords where the EICR indicates the property is failing.

When does this apply from?

All of the rules will apply to PRS landlords from 1st November this year.

More information

• Safe2 is the NRLA's one stop shop for all things compliance, allowing you to order any required safety certificate, including EICRs, with just a click of a button. For more information click here.
• To read the NRLA guide to electrical safety inspections click here.
• The association’s award-winning training academy also runs an Electrical Safety for Landlords course for anyone that wants to find out more.