Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords in Scotland?

If you’re a landlord in Scotland, you have a responsibility to your tenants to ensure they live in a safe property.

A big part of this involves electrical safety, and as part of this you need to ensure the property has an up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

But what is an EICR? Is it a legal requirement? And do you need to get a new one for each new tenant?

Let’s take a closer look at the current rules.

EICR Overview

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) – sometimes referred to as an electrical safety inspection or a periodic inspection – consists of a detailed inspection of the electrical systems and installations in your property.

The aim of the inspection is to detect any potential risks in the property. Faulty wiring can pose a fire risk, and there is also a risk of electric shocks. By identifying problems, you can get them fixed and make sure your tenants are not put at risk.

The EICR inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician, and you will then be presented with the report showing the results.

There are three ratings: C1 indicates dangerous electrics, C2 indicates potential danger, and C3 indicates that there is no present danger, but improvements are recommended.

EICRs Are a Legal Requirement in Scotland

EICRs became a legal requirement in England in 2020 when they were included in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Before this, they were only required for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

However, they have been a legal requirement for landlords in Scotland for longer. Mandatory testing came into force in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

As part of the requirements, Scottish landlords must arrange two tests:

• The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This was previously known as the Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), and it covers electrical fixtures, fittings and installations.

• The Portable Appliance Test (PAT). This covers portable electrical appliances that you provide to the tenants.

The electricians carrying out the test must be competent and fully qualified. In addition, you must carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report test on your rental property a minimum of every 5 years.

Do You Need a New EICR for Each Tenant?

The key requirement is that you must get an EICR carried out a minimum of every five years. When a new tenant moves into the property, you must provide them with a copy of the latest report.

If a tenant stays for several years, you must get a new report after five years have passed since the last EICR and give it to them.

That being said, it’s often a good idea to carry out an EICR more than every five years. This is especially true for the PAT tests, where annual checks are recommended.

Remember, your responsibility is that the electrics are safe and well-maintained in the property. When a tenant moves out, they may have damaged the electrics during the time they lived in the property.

For your peace of mind, and the safety of your tenants, it’s worth getting a check carried out so you know that they are moving into a safe property.

What About Short-Term Rentals?

The law about getting an EICR every five years initially only applied to long-term rentals. However, the same rules now apply to short-term rentals.

For example, if you rent a property via Airbnb or a similar service, you will also need to make sure you have an up-to-date EICR and PAT test.

How to Get an Inspection

What if You Find a Problem with the Electrics?

When you carry out an EICR, you may discover that there are problems in your property. If so, make sure you get them repaired or replaced right away.

If anything is found to be unsafe, it will be indicated in your report.

We can sort this out for you too, and we will then provide written confirmation that the work has been completed and the safety standards have been met.

You must then provide this confirmation to the tenant and local authorities together with the EICR.

Keep Your Rental Property Safe

Electrical safety is a serious issue, and faulty electrics can be dangerous and pose a risk to anyone living in the property.

You are responsible for making sure your tenants live in a safe property, so don’t take any unnecessary risks. Follow the legal requirements regarding EICRs by getting one carried out at least every 5 years.

If you need to arrange an EICR, contact us today and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a qualified and experienced professional.