If you let a property in Derby, you are responsible for making sure the electrics are safe when a tenancy starts and stay safe throughout it. This checklist covers what the law requires in England, what is recommended on top, and how to keep the paperwork straight.
It is a practical guide and not legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK for the current position on your type of tenancy.
What the law requires
For most private tenancies in England, landlords must do the following:
- Have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The report is called an EICR, and we carry out landlord EICRs across Derby.
- Give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection, and to new tenants before they move in.
- Give a copy to the local authority within seven days if it asks for one.
- Complete any remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and get written confirmation that it has been done.
- Fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler or a fire. Gas cookers are excluded.
Local authorities can issue substantial financial penalties to landlords who do not comply.
What an EICR result means
Each issue found is given a code. C1 means danger is present, C2 means potentially dangerous and FI means further investigation is needed. Any of these makes the report unsatisfactory, and the work has to be done. C3 is a recommendation for improvement and does not fail the report. Our EICR guide goes through the codes in more detail.
Recommended, but not a legal requirement
These are not set out in law in the same way, but they are good practice and help show you have taken reasonable care:
- A visual check of sockets, switches and light fittings between tenancies.
- Testing any portable appliances you supply, such as a kettle, fridge or washing machine.
- Checking that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work on the first day of each new tenancy, and keeping a note that you did.
- Making sure tenants know where the consumer unit is and how to reset a tripped switch.
Common reasons rental properties fail
The issues we see most often on rentals are an older consumer unit with no RCD protection, missing or undersized earthing and bonding, damaged sockets and DIY additions by previous owners. A consumer unit upgrade starts from £650 plus VAT and puts right many of the problems an inspection flags.
Keeping your records straight
Keep the EICR, the certificates for any remedial work and the dates you gave copies to tenants. Put the next inspection date in your diary, as the report is valid for five years unless the inspector sets a shorter interval.
Book a landlord EICR in Derby
JJS Electrical Solutions is NAPIT registered and carries out EICRs and remedial work for landlords and letting agents across Derby and Derbyshire. Call 01332 492475 or send us a message to book.
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