Do I Need an EICR as a Landlord in Cornwall?

If you rent out a property in Cornwall, whether it is a long-term tenancy, a holiday let, or a second home, you are probably aware that the rules around electrical safety have tightened up in recent years. Here is a plain-English guide to what is required and what happens if you do not comply.

What is an EICR?

An EICR, Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a formal inspection of all the fixed electrical wiring in a property. It checks the condition of the consumer unit, all circuits, cables, sockets, switches and light fittings and gives them a rating based on the current wiring regulations.

The report produces one of three outcomes for each item found:

• C1, Danger present. This needs to be fixed immediately before the property is occupied.
• C2, Potentially dangerous. This needs to be addressed, though it is not an immediate danger.
• C3, Improvement recommended. Not a requirement to fix, but worth considering.

If all items are C3 or better, the report will be marked as satisfactory. If there are any C1 or C2 items, the report is unsatisfactory and the remedial work needs to be carried out before a satisfactory certificate can be issued.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords?

Yes. Since 1 April 2021, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have required all private landlords in England to:

• Have the electrical installations in their rental property inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years
• Obtain a report from the person carrying out the inspection
• Supply a copy of the report to each existing tenant within 28 days
• Supply a copy to a new tenant before they move in
• Supply a copy to any prospective tenant who requests it within 28 days
• Retain a copy to give to the inspector at the next inspection
• Supply a copy to the local authority if requested within 7 days

What Happens if I Do Not Have One?

Local authorities have the power to arrange remedial work themselves and charge the cost to the landlord, up to a maximum of £30,000. They can also issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 per breach. The regulations also give tenants the right to withhold consent for inspection in some circumstances, which creates additional complications.

In short, not having a valid EICR is a significant legal and financial risk.

What About Holiday Lets in Cornwall?

Holiday lets are slightly different. The current private rented sector regulations technically apply to properties let on an assured shorthold tenancy, which holiday lets generally are not. However, this does not mean holiday let owners are off the hook.

Holiday let properties are subject to health and safety law, and as a property owner you have a duty to ensure the property is safe for guests. An EICR is the recognised way to demonstrate that the electrical installation is safe. Most holiday let insurers also require a valid EICR as a condition of cover.

Ryan's advice: get one. The cost is modest compared to the risk of a claim or an accident involving a guest.

How Often Does an EICR Need to Be Done?

For private landlords, at least every five years or at each change of tenancy if sooner. If the report recommends more frequent inspection, then that recommendation should be followed.

For owner-occupied homes, there is no legal requirement but the general recommendation is every ten years or when you buy a property.

Getting an EICR in Cornwall

Ryan carries out EICRs across Cornwall for landlords, homeowners and holiday let owners. The inspection typically takes two to three hours for a standard property, and the report and certificate are issued the same day.

If any remedial work is needed. neededyan can carry out the repairs and re-test, issuing an updated certificate once everything is sorted.

Call 07454 384308 or get in touch here to book an EICR at your Cornwall property.