In an effort to promote safer living conditions in the private rented sector, a comprehensive best practice guide has been introduced, outlining the proper procedures for conducting thorough electrical safety checks and reporting defects. “Best Practice Guide 10: Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector,” published by the charitable organization Electrical Safety First, is tailored for electricians, landlords, letting agents, and tenants, providing valuable insights into inspection and testing requirements and the preparation of detailed reports.
While it is now mandatory for landlords to perform electrical installation condition reporting (EICR) at least once every five years, inconsistencies in reporting have been a cause for concern. The charity argues that this inconsistency can lead to confusion among those reading the reports, potentially resulting in safety risks being either inaccurately reported or overlooked.
David Powell, an electrical installation safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, identifies a key issue in the broad scope an EICR can encompass. It is essential to establish a clear understanding with the landlord or the person commissioning the work regarding what should and should not be included in the electrical safety check. This new guide addresses this problem and sets a precedent for a minimum standard to be expected, defining what should be inspected and tested, as well as how to document findings accurately within the extent and limitations section of an EICR and throughout the report.
Powell emphasizes the collaborative nature of this guidance, involving multiple organizations and garnering input from industry bodies, government departments, and letting agents. The purpose of the guide is to provide clarity for electricians on their responsibilities, how to define the scope of their work, and how to report their findings accurately.
For landlords and tenants, the guide explains the nature of an EICR, what to anticipate from an electrician, questions to pose during the process, and how to prepare for the inspection.
This latest guidance is part of a series of ten best practice guides produced by Electrical Safety First in collaboration with industry bodies. These guides are available for free and offer expert advice and information on the technical aspects of electrical installation work.
These resources aim to enhance electrical safety standards in the private rented sector and contribute to the overall well-being of tenants and the efficiency of electrical inspections in the rental property market.