If you own or manage a property, the safety of the occupants should be one of the top priorities. Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of this, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) certificate can help you ensure that your property is up to the required safety standards. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of getting an EICR certificate for your property.
What is an EICR Certificate?
An EICR certificate is an electrical test certificate document that verifies the safety of the electrical installations within the property. It is an assessment of the condition of the wiring, sockets, switches, and other electrical fixtures, identifying any potential faults or hazards. A qualified electrician performs a full domestic eicr inspection of the system and provides a report on its condition and safety.
How Much is an EICR?
How much does an EICR cost? The EICR certificate cost can vary depending on several factors including the size of the property, the number of circuits, and the complexity of the electrical system. Along with this, the EICR cost may also vary depending on the region you live in and the electrician who dos the job. On average, you can expect to pay from £100 to £250 for a one-bedroom property.
Ensuring the Safety of Your Property and Its Occupants
The most significant benefit of getting an EICR certificate is that it ensures the safety of your property and its occupants. The inspection will identify potential faults and hazards such as damaged sockets and outdated wiring, allowing you to rectify them as soon as possible. By doing this, you can avoid fires, electrical shocks, and other accidents that may occur as a result of faulty electrical installations.
Complying with Legal Requirements
If you are renting out a property, then you have a legal obligation to ensure that the electrical installations in your property are safe. In the UK, it’s against the law to rent out a property that does not have a valid EICR certificate, and you could be fined a significant amount of money for doing so.
Saving Money in the Long Run
While getting an EICR certificate does involve an upfront cost not only for the assessment but for any repairs and rectifications you will need to make, it can be a good way to save money in the long run. By identifying potential electrical problems and hazards early, you can repair or replace them before they turn into more significant and expensive issues to fix. What’s more, a valid EICR certificate for your rental property will help you avoid insurance claims and legal action should anything go wrong, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Getting an EICR certificate is essential for safety, legal compliance, and cost-effectiveness if you are renting a property out. It protects you, your tenants, and your property, and allows you to rectify any problems before they become more dangerous, or more expensive to deal with.