Q. I’m selling my house, do I need an electrical condition test (EICR)?

A. We recommend you have an electrical condition test completed to demonstrate to potential buyers that your electrics are safe. This is especially true if you have an older or larger property where the buyer might have more of a concern.

It is however, not a legal requirement to have a test undertaken. If you are also purchasing a property please check it has a recent test or have one conducted yourself. One of our recent customers was buying an older property to modernise and the test identified several problem areas. They used this report to negotiate an appropriate reduction in the purchase price.

Q. As a Landlord/Agent, what are my responsibilities for tenants regarding electrical testing

A. Landlords and agents need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1 June 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.

The regulations require landlords to ensure that every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person.

The landlord is required to obtain a report which gives the results of the inspection and test, supply that report to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.

Upon request the report must be provided to the local housing authority within seven days.

The private landlord must supply a copy of the last report to any new tenant before occupation, or any prospective tenant within 28 days of a request from the prospective tenant.

Proven breaches of the regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000.

If you have any questions on the above we’re here to help on 01691 581581 or ian@nexuselectrics.co.uk