Protect Your Tenants? Health, Your Landlords? Liberty, And Your Letting Agency?s

Posted by Trade Facilities Services on October 23rd, 2017

It is mandatory for a business to make sure that electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) are carried out periodically, as stated in the Electricity at Work Act. In fact, they are critical to the assurance of safety in any establishment, especially if you own rental apartments. EICR ensures that all electrical systems and appliances have been tested to guarantee their safety for use. The report is required every three to five years, as electrical installations wear out over time. With this safety check, you can protect not only your landlords and tenants, but also your letting agency’s reputation.

The importance of EICR for tenants and landlords

Without an EICR, you could be endangering the health and lives of your tenants. Damaged and defective electrical systems and appliances could cause incidents of electrocution, and in some cases, may affect the quality of life in your apartment building when a short circuit or a power outage occurs. The Landlord and Tenants Act of 1985 states the duty of landlords to take care of their tenants, too, and this ensures checking the quality and safety of the electrics. EICR should help your landlord guarantee the safety and quality of electrical systems and appliances in your building to the tenants.

Electrical safety can be assured to tenants and landlords with an EICR. A report can prove that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition, and you can minimise the chances of having fatalities in case of a fire or a gas leak. All rental properties in Britain must be fitted with smoke alarms on every floor, and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms where solid fuel appliances are used, or landlords will be fined.

Why EICR matters to letting agencies

A letting agency would want to ensure the safety of your investment before lending you the money that you need. This way, they can be sure that there are no problems that could affect your ability to make the agreed payments on time. A letting agency’s reputation could become at stake when your property’s electrics are not safe. To ensure a reliable report, consider getting a licensed, reputable, and seasoned provider of electrical safety tests and certificates.

About the Author

I am James Livingstone the owner of Trade Facilities Services, we provide electrical certificates and electrical testing in London, Essex and Kent at reasonable and fair prices. The company is fully insured and all electricians are qualified and are members of either NAPIT or the NICEIC. We believe in publishing the correct information for our consumers to ensure they get value for money.