Electrical safety cert

Ensuring electrical safety in rental properties is a vital responsibility for landlords in London. Obtaining a valid electrical safety cert not only protects tenants from potential hazards but also ensures landlords comply with legal obligations, avoiding hefty fines and legal action. This blog explains the laws surrounding electrical safety certificates, the process of obtaining them, certification requirements for landlords, council regulations, and pricing, providing landlords with essential knowledge to manage their properties safely and compliantly.

Legal Requirements for Electrical Safety Certificates

Since June 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every five years. This inspection results in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), commonly known as an electrical safety cert. The EICR confirms that the electrical system complies with British Standards (BS 7671) and is safe for continued use.

Landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the electrical safety cert within 28 days of the inspection and to the local housing authority within seven days if requested. Failure to comply can lead to fines up to £30,000 and other enforcement measures.

The Electrical Safety Certification Process

Obtaining an electrical safety cert involves hiring a qualified and registered electrician accredited by government-approved schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Elecsa. The process includes:

• Booking an inspection with a certified professional
• Conducting a thorough assessment of the electrical installations including wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and fixed appliances
• Testing circuits and identifying any faults, damage, or non-compliance with safety standards
• Issuing an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) detailing the condition of the electrical system and any remedial actions required

Landlords must ensure that any identified issues are addressed promptly, with written confirmation of remedial work provided to tenants and authorities within 28 days.

Council Requirements in London

London borough councils enforce electrical safety regulations as part of property licensing schemes, particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties under selective licensing. Landlords must submit valid electrical safety certificates when applying for or renewing licenses. Councils may inspect properties to verify compliance and can impose fines or revoke licenses for non-compliance.

Maintaining up-to-date electrical safety certs helps landlords meet council requirements and demonstrate their commitment to tenant safety.

Pricing of Electrical Safety Certificates

The cost of obtaining electrical safety certs in London varies depending on property size, complexity, and provider. Typical price ranges include:

• Standard residential properties: £70 to £160
• Larger HMOs or commercial properties: prices may be higher due to complexity

Many providers offer bundled packages combining electrical safety certificates with gas safety checks and fire risk assessments, offering cost-effective solutions for landlords managing multiple properties.

Booking Your Electrical Safety Certificate

For landlords seeking reliable and professional electrical safety cert services, Landlords Checks Limited offers expert inspections and certification. Their qualified electricians provide thorough assessments and issue valid electrical safety certificates to help landlords comply with legal obligations and protect tenants.

You can easily book your electrical safety cert online. Their team offers flexible scheduling, competitive pricing, and expert advice tailored to landlord needs.