Do I Need an EICR to Sell My House?
Is an EICR mandatory? The law requires you to have an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) if you have had any ‘notifiable’ electrical works carried out on your home since 2005.
So, do I need an EICR to sell my house? Obtaining an electrical installation condition report (EICR) can provide a potential buyer peace of mind that the electrics are safe, and having all the documentation to hand can speed up the selling process! If that’s not motivation enough for you…
If you’re a landlord and letting agent, it is a legal requirement to provide an electrical test as part of their safety check prior to allowing tenants to live in a property. The test must be performed by a registered, professional electrician.
The results of the Electrical Installation Condition Report should be kept as proof of the inspection. Always keep those receipts! They can go in the paperwork with everything else.
The report can also give important information on any remedial work which may require carrying out.
Yes, But What is an EICR?
An EICR, also known as a Periodic Inspection Check, is carried out to ensure the property is electrically safe.
It helps to identify the following:
- Integrity and degradation of the wiring.
- Ensure any past DIY modifications were completed safely.
- Damage to electrical accessories including sockets and switches.
When Might You Be Asked to Supply an EICR?
When you are selling a house, your solicitor might ask you to fill in a residential or commercial property information form (and maybe around two hundred other forms). This form will include sections that refer to the electrical system within the house.
You may also be asked by potential buyers to provide an electrical safety certificate. As mentioned above, this is not a legal requirement, and it is just for the buyer’s own assurance and helps them to make a speedier decision!
If you are renting a house via a known and reliable agent, you should ALWAYS be asked to provide an electrical safety certificate. You should NOT be allowed to let out a home without one. If you do, and any electrical hazards were left unreported, you may be held liable.
How often does an EICR Need to be Done?
Generally, for domestic installations in good condition, an EICR is recommended at least once every ten years for homeowners and is mandatory at least once every 5 years for private rentals.
Do I Need an EICR When Purchasing a Home?
Before buying a property, potential buyers may want to ask the current occupier if they have an up-to-date EICR. This will give the buyer an overview of the current state of the electrics in the property.
This doesn’t happen much, but if we’ve learnt anything from the scouts, it’s to always be prepared!
Are you buying a house? Protect yourself from potential hidden electrical faults by arranging an EICR on your new property now.
How Much Does an Electrical Condition Report Cost?
Prices for an EICR certificate start from just £150 + VAT (*location dependant). You can find out more about our pricing for EICR’s by clicking here.
Our NSI electricians offer the most efficient and professional service. Just check out our 900+ 4.9-star reviews!
If you’re a landlord looking to make sure the property you’re letting is completely safe and compliant with legal requirements, as you should, contact National Safety Inspections to arrange a comprehensive EICR today or speak to one of our friendly advisors on our chatbot below!
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