What is an EICR Certificate for Landlords in Scotland

What is an EICR Certificate?

An EICR certificate is a document that shows the condition of the electrical installations in a property.

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report, and it is sometimes also called the Landlord Safety Test or the Homebuyer’s Test. It is carried out by a qualified and competent electrician who inspects and tests the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer units (fuse boxes) and other fixed electrical parts in the property.

The EICR will identify any damage, deterioration, defects, or conditions that may pose a danger.

It is a legal requirement for landlords in Scotland to have an EICR certificate for every rental property they own.

Why do Scottish Landlords Need an EICR Certificate in Scotland?

Landlords in Scotland have a duty of care to ensure that the electrical installations in their rental properties are safe and comply with these standards.

Legal Requirements for Electrical Safety in Rented Properties

ALL houses in Scotland must meet the Repairing Standard – Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, Section 13 – and this applies to rental properties too.

In particular, Section 19A of The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 requires landlords to have an EICR certificate for each property they let, and to renew it at least every five years, or more frequently if the report recommends it.

Landlords must also provide a copy of the EICR certificate to their tenants before they move in, and within 28 days of any inspection or renewal.

Benefits of Having an EICR Certificate for Landlords and Tenants

Having an EICR certificate not only helps landlords to meet legal obligations, but also provides several benefits, such as:

• Ensuring safety and well-being of tenants and avoiding potential injuries, fires, or damages caused by faulty electrical installations.
• Protecting your property and assets from electrical hazards and reducing the risk of costly repairs or claims.
• Enhancing your reputation and credibility as a responsible and professional landlord, and attract more tenants who value quality and safety.
• Complying with requirements of their insurance providers, mortgage lenders, or letting agents, who may ask for proof of an EICR certificate.

For tenants, having an EICR certificate means that they can live in a safe and comfortable environment, where the electrical installations are regularly checked and maintained. It also gives them peace of mind that their landlord is taking care of their property and complying with the law.

What’s Involved in an EICR Inspection?

During an EICR inspection, a qualified and registered electrician will examine the electrical installation in your property, covering electrical components such as:

• The consumer unit (fuse box), switches, sockets, light fittings, and wiring.
• The earthing and bonding arrangements, which prevent electric shocks.
• The residual current devices (RCDs), which protect against electric shocks and fires.
• The circuit breakers and fuses, which prevent overloading and overheating.

Video: EICR Inspection in progress in a Glasgow Rental Property

The electrician will test the electrical installations using specialised equipment and tools, and will record their findings in an EICR report.

The report will indicate the condition of the installations using four codes:

• Code C1: Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required.
• Code C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action required.
• Code C3: Improvement recommended.
• Code FI: Further investigation required.

The report will also state whether the electrical installations are satisfactory or unsatisfactory, based on the number and severity of the faults found.

Video: EICR Walkthrough in the UK – An In-depth Look at a Local Property

How to Get an EICR Certificate for Your Rental Property

If you are a landlord in Scotland, you need to get a new Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for your rental property every five years.

To get an EICR, you need to hire a qualified electrician who is registered with a recognised scheme, such as SELECT, NICEIC, or NAPIT.

Quinnergy are registered with SELECT, and all our electricians are fully qualified.

How Much Does an EICR Certificate Cost?

The cost of an EICR certificate depends on several factors, such as:

• The size and type of the property (e.g., flat, house, number of bedrooms).
• The number and complexity of the electrical installations (e.g., number of circuits, sockets, lights).
• The location and availability of the electrician.

To learn more about EICR Pricing in Scotland, read our article: How Much Does an EICR Cost in Scotland?

An EICR certificate lasts for five years from the date of issue, unless the report recommends a shorter period. Landlords should keep a record of their EICR certificates and renew them before they expire.

What to Do If Your EICR Certificate is Unsatisfactory?

If your EICR report shows that your electrical installations are unsatisfactory, you must take action to fix the issues as soon as possible.

How to fix the issues identified in the EICR report

Depending on the code assigned to each fault, you may need to:

• Code C1: Immediately disconnect or isolate the affected installation from the electricity supply, and arrange for urgent remedial work by a qualified electrician.
• Code C2: Arrange for urgent remedial work by a qualified electrician within 28 days of receiving the report, or sooner if possible.
• Code C3: Consider improving the installation to enhance its safety or performance, but not necessarily as a matter of urgency.
• Code FI: Arrange for further investigation by a qualified electrician within 28 days of receiving the report, or sooner if possible.

You must provide your tenants with a copy of the EICR report and inform them of the actions you are taking to fix the issues. You must also provide them with a copy of the new EICR certificate once the remedial work is completed.

Video: 4 Reasons Your Property’s EICR Might Be Unsatisfactory

What if Landlords Don’t Have an EICR?

If landlords fail to comply with the electrical safety regulations, they may face penalties and disputes with your tenants, such as:

• Fines of up to £5,000 per property for each breach of the regulations.
• Rent penalty notices, which allow tenants to reclaim up to 12 months of rent paid if their landlord does not have a valid EICR certificate.
• Rent relief orders, which reduce the rent payable by tenants if their landlord does not have a valid EICR certificate.
• Tenancy tribunal applications, which allow tenants to seek compensation or other remedies if their landlord does not have a valid EICR certificate or fails to fix the issues identified in the report.

How to Avoid Consequences as a Landlord

• Ensure that you have a valid EICR certificate for each property you let, and renew it at least every five years, or more frequently if the report recommends it.
• Provide a copy of the EICR certificate to your tenants before they move in, and within 28 days of any inspection or renewal.
• Fix any issues identified in the EICR report as soon as possible, and provide a copy of the new EICR certificate to your tenants once the remedial work is completed.
• Communicate with your tenants and keep them informed of the electrical safety measures you are taking for their property.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your rental property is safe and compliant with the electrical safety regulations, and that you and your tenants have a positive and harmonious relationship.