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Electrical

EICR requirements for a rental from July 2020

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.50 PM

I am an accidental landlord . I have rental property which was constructed in late 1960's or early 1970's. it was tested about 4 years ago and certified after all remedial work carried out by a qualified/registered electrician. As part of the remedial work all metal switches/sockets and other fixings were removed. Even the lampshades were replaced with plastic ones. I have had a new consumer unit with RCD, MCB (?) fitted too. There was some earth bonding work done on boiler/gas pipe etc. (sorry i don't know the details) but it all meant that i am complying with the regulations. There are no alteration to the house or electrics since then. I am planning to get the property tested again and need advice on changes introduced from July 2020. Does the new regulation means that i need to have all lighting circuits earthed? what other changes have been introduced which i need to know. I don't want to go rewiring route if i can avoid it as during lockdown as i have redecorated some of the property and put in new carpets. i understand that in longer term it would be better to get the house rewired but i am planning that later and not right now. I am getting conflicting advice so any clear advice would be greatly appreciated.

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

I would agree with Jon Bateson. Although the regs have moved on to the 18th edition and the inspection would be against those regs, the inspector is looking for points which represent an actual or potential danger, not whether the property meets the current regs, which it no-doubt won't. As time goes on you will get more suggested improvements, even if they deem your property has remained safe, as new regs introduce new and safer ways of doing things.

Answered7 July 2020

Anonymous user

I wish electricians would stop using 'pass' or 'fail' when referring to EICRs. There is no such term. The electrical installation will be either 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory.' It sounds to me like you have already taken the correct course of action to make the installation satisfactory. The mandatory requirement from 1 July is to have the rented property checked every five years. The problem is some electricians will try to tell you you need to comply with the latest regulations which is nonsense. Hopefully you will get an electrician who is genuine and knows to ensure it is safe not compliant with latest Regulations. You can always make improvements but as long as its safe no need to worry.

Answered7 July 2020

Anonymous user

If it passed an EICR four years ago and nothing’s changed then you would pass now. Subject to different inspectors interpretation of state of install. No earth on the lighting is still a pass if all plastic fittings

Answered7 July 2020

AO Electrical

Rating: 5 out of 5

Dundee

Nothing to add to those answers already provided. Do not be bullied into believing that regulations can be retrospectively enforced unless there is an immediate danger to life. No reason why, if it was deemed satisfactory in the past, and no additions or alterations have taken place, why it wouldn’t today.

Answered30 July 2020