Author: Theresa Woodall

In this two-minute read, we look at new rules on electrical safety reports that come into force next month.

It’s no joke: landlords who fail to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their rental property by 1 April could face a fine of up to £30,000.

The government made EICRs mandatory for new tenancies last June, but from 1 April, all tenancies will need an EICR.

If you haven’t got an EICR for your rental property yet, you need to act quickly.

What is an EICR?

It’s basically an MOT for the electrics in a rental property. A suitably qualified electrician (visit NICEIC to find one) checks that all electrical installations such as the wiring, sockets, and lights are in safe working order.

Any faults are graded, ranging from C1 (the worst rating, requiring immediate action) through to C3 (meaning improvement is recommended but not required).

How long is an EICR valid for?

Five years.

Who enforces the EICR?

Local authorities. Landlords must present an EICR within seven days of a request from the local authority. As we said earlier, the fine for not doing so can reach £30,000.

What happens if an inspector finds a problem?

You must act; the safety of your tenants and your property could be at stake. In 2019, electrical issues caused more than 19,000 fires in the UK.

What do landlords do once they have an EICR?

Landlords must supply a copy to each tenant within 28 days of the inspection and retain a copy for themselves.

What about Covid-19?

It may be difficult for an electrician to enter a property if your tenant is self-isolating. But you must have evidence that you have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the regulations, so keep a detailed paper trail.

Two more things

• The electrician will need to turn the power off to do the inspection, so forewarn your tenants.
• Time is of the essence. It takes 48 hours to process a report, but if you need to carry out remedial works, the process will take even longer. Don’t dither. Book your inspection today.

If you have questions about EICRs, get in touch with us here at Chamberlains

© Chamberlains 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how the pandemic has given us a greater appreciation for life’s little pleasures.

As tomorrow is the International Day of Happiness, let’s tune out from the negative headlines for a moment and reflect on a few positives.

The theme for this year’s event is Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind – a motto that chimes perfectly with the times.

Over the past year – and yes, it’s almost a year since we were told to Stay at Home – we’ve witnessed many examples of calmness and kindness and learned a few important lessons along the way.

Here are a few things we’ll take away from the past 12 months.

• The importance of community. Before the pandemic, many of us were barely on nodding terms with our neighbours. Twelve months on, things have changed. From setting up food banks, to donating laptops and delivering medicines, kind-hearted folks have shown that charity really does start at home.
• Enjoyment of nature. Spending so much time indoors has amplified the joys of being outdoors. Whether it’s sitting in the garden or wandering through one of our amazing parks or on the moors, we’ve realised just how blissful birdsong and fresh air can be.
• Health matters. The link between obesity, smoking, and negative Covid outcomes really brought home the importance of looking after ourselves. As a result, many people have adopted healthier lifestyles by taking up a new sport (sales of bikes and running shoes have skyrocketed) or ditching junk food. Meanwhile, 300,000 Brits have quit smoking.
• Home truths. The pandemic brought the issue of quality of life into sharp focus and prompted many to rethink where and how they live. As a result, many folks moved to gain more space, better WiFi or be closer to their family. Lots of people now have a clearer idea of how they want to live and have reorganised their lives to match these aspirations.
• We savour the little things. Oh, how we miss popping over to a friend’s place for a cuppa, eating out at restaurants, and visiting the pub. We used to take these things for granted, but when we get back to “normal” and can do them, we’ll savour each and every experience.

From the team at Chamberlains, stay safe and keep smiling.

© Chamberlains 2021