Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) in Edinburgh
EICR for landlords
Helping you keep your tenants safe
The Scottish Government has created new legislation to help protect tenants which means that if you are a landlord in Scotland you must ensure that your property is safe for your tenants. Since 1 December 2015, private landlords must have an electrical safety inspection of their property at least every 5 years.
This inspection is split into 2 main parts known as PAT and EICR.
PAT – Portable Appliance Test
This test is carried out if you have provided any portable appliances in your rented property.
EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report
Safety tests will be carried out on the electricity supply to the property eg electrical fittings such as sockets and light switches and fixed electrical equipment such as hard-wired smoke detectors and storage heaters.
Who can carry out an EICR?
EICRs can only be performed by a professional electrician that is registered either with SELECT or are NICEIC electrical contractors. We provide this service for landlords in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Please get in touch to book your electrical safety inspection.
When must an electrical safety inspection be performed?
Landlords must provide a new EICR for new tenants before their tenancy starts.
If you have long-standing tenants you must provide a new EICR at a minimum of every 5 years.
Current tenants who do not have an EICR for the property must receive one before 1 December 2016.
EICR for Business Premises and Homes in Edinburgh
An EICR is not just for landlords. Electrical safety inspections should be carried out periodically in any building with electricity.
Typically home owners will require one prior to selling their house or a new home owner may want the electrics checked before moving in. Ideally, all home owners should consider having their home tested every 10 years to ensure their safety. This is becoming more necessary in today’s world where our homes are full of electrical devices and appliances.
Office and industrial premises owners must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 legislation. In other words they must ensure that all electrical devices in the workplaces are safe to use. A regular electrical safety inspection by a qualified electrician is necessary to protect your employees.
EICR and New Smoke Alarm Legislation in Scotland
Landlords must comply with the new smoke alarm rules for rented properties. They must be hard-wired and are part of the EICR.
We have years of experience in this area Capital City Electrical Services will be able to ensure your home or rented property has the correct fire detections systems in place and is electrically safe.