Electrical Inspection Certificates for commercial Insurance (IEE)

A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliance with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

• for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
• at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
• at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on certain types of properties such as; 3 years for a caravan, 1 year for a swimming pool

When an electrical installation is rewired, it is good practice to remove redundant wiring. If this is not possible, any redundant wiring must be permanently disconnected from any electrical supply so that it doesn’t present a risk.

We recommend that you get at least three quotes from different electricians before you go ahead with any major electrical work in your home.  We also advise that you always use a registered electrician as if you’re not happy with their work you can complain to their scheme operator, who will in turn ask them to rectify any mistakes

You have a duty of care to your tenant and must ensure that the installation is safe when they enter the property and is maintained throughout their tenure.

The Landlords and Tenants Act (1985) requires that the electrical installation in a rented property is:

• safe when a tenancy begins and
• maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.
• We recommend that in order to comply with this Act, you get a registered electrician to carry out an Electrical Condition Report (EICR) on any property you intend to let before getting tenants in. This will certify whether the electrics are safe and tell you if anything needs upgrading.

 

If you own an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), you have a legal obligation to have a periodic inspection carried out on your property every five years.

If your property is not an HMO, then you are not legally obliged to get your installation tested on a periodic basis. However, we recommend that you have a full periodic inspection carried out every five years or on change of tenancy – whichever comes first.

Our guidance is based on legal obligations set out in The Landlords and Tenant Act (1985).

As a business who is a tenant it is your responsibility to satisfy the legislation, any responsibility your land lord has will be determined within your lease, please get legal advice on this but remember… the tenant is responsible for satisfying the legislation.