Landlords face fines of up to £30,000 for electrical safety breaches, with one in three at risk as many Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) approach their first five-year renewal deadline this July.
So says Jonny McHugh (pictured), Landlord Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance.
His firm’s research shows that 32 per cent of landlords are at risk of penalties, with a quarter unsure if their EICR report remains valid and eight per cent either lacking a valid report or uncertain of their compliance status.
More concerningly, over one in five landlords (21 per cent) remain unaware that failing to maintain a valid EICR could result in fines of up to £30,000.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of the introduction of compulsory EICRs for private rental properties, we are urging landlords to check all their paperwork to ensure it’s up to date.”
McHugh says: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of the introduction of compulsory EICRs for private rental properties, we are urging landlords to check all their paperwork to ensure it’s up to date.
“It is important to stay on top of legal requirements, as not doing so could result in fines, invalidate insurance or cause delays and complications should a landlord need to repossess their property.”
The research reveals that while 68 per cent of landlords obtained an EICR initially and are aware of the upcoming renewals, a significant minority are no longer compliant. Four per cent acknowledge their reports are out of date, and four per cent have never obtained one for their properties.
Under the current electrical safety standard rules, landlords must get their property’s electrics inspected and tested by a ‘qualified and competent person’ at least every five years.
A valid EICR must also be provided to any new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of an inspection.
Low awareness
However, it is not just the electrics that can be a problem; only two-thirds of landlords are aware of the legal requirement to have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (67 per cent), with even fewer knowing they need an Energy Performance Certificate (61 per cent).
And just one in ten landlords across the UK could identify all the documents that they are obliged to share with their tenants.
The insurer’s findings come as councils increasingly use electrical safety requirements as an enforcement tool, with several high-profile fines already issued to non-compliant landlords.
