EICR testing

All residential rental properties, including those rented under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), must undergo an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) test. The landlord or property agency is responsible for arranging the EICR test and taking any required action based on the report. 

Commercial buildings such as shops, offices, and warehouses also require an up-to-date EICR; this should be carried out by the person responsible for the property. Landlords in the UK need to carry out an EICR test every five years, or whenever there is a change of tenancy at the property. 

At DMA Property Solutions, we have a team of expert electricians who are fully qualified to carry out EICR testing, issue the subsequent reports, and fix any remedial or urgent problems that may be highlighted. If you’re in need of an updated EICR, you can rely on us for a quick and efficient service that will help you keep on top of the electrical systems in any building. 

Call DMA Property Solutions on 01202 090010 or book a no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today! 

An EICR is a detailed inspection and testing of the electrical systems within a property. EICR testing must be conducted by qualified electricians to assess the safety and condition of the electrical installation.  

The purpose of an EICR is to identify any potential electrical hazards, defects, or non-compliance with regulations.  

The testing involves visual inspections, electrical tests, and comprehensive assessments of components such as wiring, switches, sockets, and distribution boards. The final report provides valuable information about the overall condition of the electrical installation and recommends any necessary remedial actions to ensure safety and compliance.  

After carrying out the EICR testing, we will immediately provide you with a copy of the report. This will clearly outline any remedial actions required, as well as any urgent issues that need addressing. 

Following electrical testing, it is the landlord’s responsibility to: 

• Obtain an up-to-date copy of the report, issued by the qualified electrician who carried out the test.  

• Keep a copy of the report until the following inspection. The report should be shown to the electrician carrying out the expectation. 

• Provide each tenant at the property with a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection. 

• If requested: Provide the local authority with the report within 7 days of the inspection. 

If the test has been carried out before the start of a new tenancy, the landlord must supply a copy of the report to new tenants before they move in. Prospective tenants can also request a copy of the report; this must be provided within 28 days. 

At DMA Property Solutions, we know how much goes into keeping on top of rental properties, so we’re here to make the process easier wherever possible. Our reports will be issued to you straight away, so you can easily keep a copy for your records and keep track of when your next report is due. 

If the electrical safety report reveals a fault or potential fault, the landlord must investigate or repair it. Our electricians are qualified to complete these investigations or repairs – this must be done within 28 days of the EICR being issued (or within the timeframe specified in the report if – whichever is shorter). 

At DMA Property Solutions, we understand the time pressures and constraints surrounding repairs required by electrical reports.  

We endeavour to work with landlords to find a suitable time to carry out the work to make sure it is carried out within the necessary timeframe. 

Following these repairs, we will issue landlords with written confirmation of the completed work and perform further testing on the electrical system. If no further problems are detected, the confirmation will state the system’s newfound compliance with electrical safety standards. 

A copy of this written confirmation must be provided to each existing tenant and the local housing authority within 28 days, along with the original report highlighting the necessary work. 

Our local electricians will make this process as simple as possible, offering flexible scheduling and fast turnarounds so you can resolve any problems with your property quickly and efficiently. 

Landlords may face a £30,000 penalty if they are found to have violated EICR regulations. More than one penalty can be issued if multiple violations are found, so it’s worth working closely with a trusted company like DMA Property Solutions to ensure all work is carried out properly, adhering to the appropriate procedures. 

• If a landlord fails to solve the problems highlighted by an EICR, the local authority will take action. Non-urgent cases require the authority to issue a "remedial notice" within 21 days of reasonable grounds determination. Landlords then have 28 days to comply or submit objections within 21 days. 

• If the landlord fails to undertake the works, the authority can access the property with tenant permission and inform the landlord. Appeals can be made to the First-tier Tribunal, and the local authority may also recover reasonable costs from the landlord. 

• In cases where urgent remedial works are required but neglected by the landlord, the local authority can arrange for the works to be carried out. The landlord must be notified within seven days of the commencement of these works. 

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) offers another way for landlords to have peace of mind about the electrical appliances at their property. Though it is not a requirement of an EICR, PAT testing can help avoid any problems with appliances that will be used by tenants.  

PAT testing is designed to identify potential faults or hazards in appliances, helping landlords fulfil their responsibility to provide safe and well-maintained electrical equipment in the properties they rent out.  

By detecting faults early on, landlords can take necessary actions such as repairing or replacing faulty appliances, reducing the chances of accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. 

DMA Property Solutions can also carry out thorough PAT testing at rental and commercial properties. This can be organised at the same time as EICR testing if you wish. 

Address
Unit 1, rear of Glandal

Beacon Hill Lane

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RX