Should EICR be mandatory for all social housing in England?


Should EICR be mandatory for all social housing in England?
Some things to note might be
 (PRS) Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 required an EICR every 5 years OR change of tenancy.  I think most people forget the change of tenancy part.

Moving forward a lot of EICRs should now start to be expiring thus a new one will need to be issued after an Inspect and Test.

There have been noted cases when local councils have not done EICRs

eg

https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/news/2022/safety-checks-our-council-homes

More recently

Southwark Council statement on electrical testing of council homes

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2024/jun/southwark-council-statement-on-electrical-testing-of-council-homes





As always please be polite and respectful in this purely academic debate.




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Parents
  • Yes, but executed according to a industry standard specification. For instance, the recent EICR specification outlined by John Peckham would be ideal.

Reply
  • Yes, but executed according to a industry standard specification. For instance, the recent EICR specification outlined by John Peckham would be ideal.

Children
  • Totally agree.  An EICR from the Van is about as accurate/useful as no EICR or an outdated one.  The electrical industry needs to talk to the rental industry and make them aware what an EICR is and does.  They should also help explain the time needed for an EICR properly.  Eg a 2 bed flat maybe 2 to 3 hours and the avarage 3 bed semi about half a day.  The expected cost should also be discussed as in the SE of England an electrician should be earning about £200 to £400 a day.  Eg a small electrical business or a self employed domestic spark.

    Estate agents that DEMAND an EICR for a 3 bed semi for about £100 is not tenable likewise a 2 bed flat for £50.  This would mean something like 6 time 2 bed flat a day for an Electrician to EICR to earn a reasonable wage.

  • If a standardised specification with mandatory minimum requirements were in place, it could be deemed acceptable for individuals to undertake the work for £50, provided it aligns with the specified EICR criteria. However, I believe this practice would likely be curtailed swiftly. If it persisted, one would need to question whether these £50 reports are potentially fabricated or these individuals are making a loss.