EICR

The terminal screws were nice and tight, shame the conductor was not actually in a terminal.


It wasn’t hard to spot as the alarms didn’t go off together.

Agreed, but it needs the last part to put the first part in context.

"

(c)ensure the first inspection and testing is carried out—

(i)before the tenancy commences in relation to a new specified tenancy; or

(ii)by 1st April 2021 in relation to an existing specified tenancy."

You dont need an new EICR at every change of tennancy, most tennacies are 12 months , so do we need one every year , think not. As long as an EICR with no remedial works to be done and last for 5 years will allow other new tennants to move in under that particulat EICR

I think a visual/functional inspection should be a requirement prior to any new tenancy and/or a minimum 1 year period between eicr. In most cases this could easily be carried out inexpensively thereby providing a good option.

IET Guidance Note 3 recommends a maximum period of 5 years or change of occupancy for rented houses and flats for the first periodic. Thereafter it is up to the inspector to decide, GN3 provides guidance for this decision.


IET GN3 also recommends a Routine Check at 1 year intervals for rented houses and flats.


Obviously forum members have their own opinions that may vary from the combined brains of the IET.

I think that this is where the confusion is coming from. IIRC, C&G 2395 was keen on reasons for an EICR: one option in a multi-guess question would be change of tenancy.


However,the legislation seems reasonably clear. If it is a first (specified) letting, it needs to be inspected prior to occupation. If there is already a tenant, it needs to be inspected prior to Apr next year. If there is already a tenant, and the installation was inspected say last year, it is self-evident that it has been inspected by Apr next year. If there is no tenant yet, but it was inspected last year, it is also self-evident that the installation has been inspected prior to the tenancy.


The inspection lasts 5 years maximum, or less if that is what the inspector has determined. Whether or not there has been a change of tenancy during that period is irrelevant.


One more point - there is likely to be an amendment within 5 years! ?

I seem to remember that the change of tenancy thing was in some legislation some years back, and the GN is probably out of date (despite being new!). I see no reason to do this every change of occupant unless they wrecked the place which is always noticeable to the landlord. If nothing changes leave it alone.


I was speaking to an Estate Agent about letting a property last week, and she said, you need an EICR. True but she had no idea of what this was and had a tame "Electrician" available to carry it out for a high (my opinion) fee. I may do this and report back, because the results they get and I get may well not be the same! Just how much do you think a 2 bed house in good nick EICR should cost?


Do you have a justification for an EICR on every change of tenant John?

Good morning David


I do periodics on 70 small warden controlled flats every 5 years for a charity. After I have done these an electrician goes around rectifies all the non-compliances installed from the previous inspections.


Whilst the conditions signed for by the tenants are clear about alterations and additions being carried out by the charities own contractor they are often not complied with. The usual one is the installation of light fittings, dimmer switches and electric cooker (no gas) by the occupants son or son-in-law (nice boy he used to work in the TV shop in the high street) which I find to be un-earthed. Around 3 or 4 RCDs fail test every 5 years (140 fitted) they may get picked up earlier with an annual check or on change of tenancy.

If that is the real failure rate of RCDs John, say 4% per year, they are not fit for purpose and EICRs are not the answer are they?  Do the faulty ones test OK afterwards with the test button? If yes then there is work to do. Essential safety devices failing at 4% per year, that is monstrous.