The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations came into force in England on 1st June 2020. That means any EICR carried out when those rules first applied is now either expired or coming up to its five-year renewal date. If you haven’t renewed since then, now is the time to sort it.
What happens if your EICR expires?
Legally, you need a valid EICR in place at all times for rented properties in England. Letting it lapse puts you in breach of the regulations, which can mean a fine of up to £30,000. You also need to provide a copy to any new tenant before they move in, so an expired certificate can hold up a new tenancy as well.
Beyond the paperwork, there’s the practical side too. A lot can change in five years — tenants add appliances, circuits get used in ways they weren’t originally designed for, and normal wear sets in. An inspection is how you find out if anything needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.
Don’t leave it to the last minute
Availability for EICR inspections gets tight when a lot of landlords are renewing at the same time. If your certificate is due in the next few months, it’s worth getting booked in now rather than chasing availability in a rush.
Book with us
We carry out EICRs for landlords across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Call us on 01454 633 336 or book online and we’ll get you sorted.
